Life with the Internet has made searching for pet accessories very simple as most can be ordered and delivered straight to your door. Always check that companies are well established as this usually reflects in the quality of the accessories. Many websites will have discounted offers on pet accessories too so this is a bonus if finances are tight.

Some great pet accessories are available – things that people sometimes do not think about, that will result in great rewards for you as an owner. For those owners that travel with their pet a range of travel pods are available. The pod is a pop up style and is fantastic for use when travelling in the car and is suitable for cats and dogs or other pets. For both cats and dogs remember id tags are an easy and simple way to ensure your pet does not get lost. If you are a dog owner consider some of the retrieval toys for dogs that are available to make your walks more fun. Some come equipped with long throwing ropes attached and are even manufactured to perform well in all weathers. There is also an abundance of collars, even designer collars available together with calming collars that can reduce unwanted behaviours from your cat or dog by safely releasing a calming substance, ideal for stressful situations too – like visits to the vet. Some of the pet accessory products are however only available from specialist pet stores, so a search of the Internet can be useful.

Another excellent way of selecting pet accessories for your pet is to look for recommendations from people that know including vets, trainers and other specialists that work in the fields of pet health and behaviour training. Some pet accessories come with recommendations for performance and durability – you do not want to waste money. An important thing to remember is that pet accessories help create an interesting lifestyle for your pet and thus help to keep them happy and healthy. Have fun searching for pet accessories that are interesting and functional for your pet and watch for the wonderful rewards you will receive in return.

Written by Lisa Curren owner of pet food stores across the Uk.

Pet Accessories: A Must for Your Pets Happiness originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 21, 2010.

Fido can’t voice his opinion, but he feels the same way. Massages are a great way to fight many of the health ailments that can affect your little fur ball. Just think of how relaxed and rejuvenated a good massage can make you feel. Your pets get the same benefits from a massage: increased circulation and flexibility along with decreased muscle pain and stress. And besides, pets love a good back scratch and tummy rub. So why not a massage? A quick Internet search can point you towards the nearest animal massage therapist in your area. You might try going to your network of fellow pet owners, too. Personal recommendations are a great way to find a massage therapist you can trust.

Animal massage therapy has grown in popularity since the 1970s. It was first used on race and show horses. After the benefits became more widely known, the practice spread to dogs, cats and other household pets. Pet massage therapists are trained in animal physiology and anatomy. They learn about animal behavior, handling, safety and first aid. They must study neurology, biology, and skeletal and muscular structure before earning their licenses. Some states have few restrictions on who can and can’t practice animal massage therapy while other states have laws restricting anyone but veterinarians from practicing.

Animal massage is a lot more than glorified petting; it’s more akin to sending your little love off to a day spa. The therapist will have your pet lie down and start with long strokes from the head down to the tail. Soft, circular kneading motions are used around the neck and shoulders. Animal massage therapists know the perfect amount of pressure to use. Too little pressure renders the massage ineffective while too much pressure, especially near the stomach, can actually damage your poor pet’s organs.

When used in conjunction with normal veterinary care, massage therapy can speed up recovery times from various ailments. It can alleviate joint problems and pain in older animals while reversing muscle atrophy in inactive animals. The calming effect of massage has led therapists to use it when treating hyperactive, nervous or anxious animals. Pet massages are relatively inexpensive, too. Hour-long massages are often under $50. With all the benefits inherent with massage therapy, it’s worth a shot for most pet owners.

Diana Rivas is a writer for a popular massage website. To find out more about the healing qualities of massage check out Massage Bed.

Pet Massage for Your Furry Loved One originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 19, 2010.

• Vomiting and diarrhea: Even responsible pet owners overlook this occasionally because it is such a common occurrence in dogs and cats. These symptoms can represent a wide range of ailments including cancer, colitis, intestinal parasites, liver disease, digestive disorders, gastric ulcers and more.

• Itching and scratching: These symptoms are easy to disregard because our pets do it so often. No need to panic every time kitty cat scratches herself, but if it becomes excessive, she may be suffering from a skin disease or infection. Excessive scratching usually means that your little one is extremely uncomfortable.

• Blood in stool or urine: Waste no time in getting to your veterinarian if this symptom rears its ugly head. Bloody urine is an early warning sign of kidney or bladder stones. Bloody stools are a symptom of intestinal cancer or infection in the digestive tract.

• Wheezing: Your pet might be telling you something very important if it is having a hard time breathing. Respiratory distress in female dogs might be the manifestation of breast cancer. In other pets, wheezing can be a symptom of heart or lung disease, heart failure, tumors and more.

• Coughing: Waste no time in getting to the vet. Lung tumors, pneumonia, bronchitis, heartworm and heart failure are a few of the illnesses that reveal themselves through an animal’s cough.

• Tiredness: This is less of a concern in older pets since they tend to slow down with age, but if you notice that your little friend is more lethargic than normal, it could mean anything from cancer to heart or blood disease and immune system disorders.

• Excessive thirst: As in humans, excessive thirst is a symptom associated with Diabetes. Kidney failure and liver disease are other possible causes.

Pets can’t talk, so it is the pet owner’s responsibility to be vigilant. Some of these symptoms pose little risk to your fuzzies, but safe is always better than sorry. Pay attention to the cues your pet gives you to ensure they have the happiest, healthiest life possible.

Guest post by Leah Gallin of Medical Assistant Schools where you can find information about medical assistant certification.

Pet Symptoms You Should Not Overlook originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 13, 2010.

Prevention will always be the best medicine. Always maintain a healthy, balanced diet for your pet. The good food might cost a few dollars more per bag, but the investment is a no-brainer. Poor diets contribute to a host of health problems, so it’s important to always feed your pet the best food on the market. Basic preventive pet care, something you can do on your own at home without a veterinarian or the associated costs, can provide early warning signs for serious ailments and slash the costs of eventual treatment. It takes a bit of research, but learning the early symptoms of pet illness can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run. Health ailments typically start out as minor inconveniences before they blossom into full blown catastrophe. Understanding the early warning signs of serious ailments is one way animal loves can protect their pets and their wallets.

Regular grooming can save you and your pet a lot of heartache. You should be clipping your pet’s nails, cleaning its ears and brushing its teeth on a regular basis. Pet insurance companies report ear infections are one of the most common reasons pet owners visit the veterinarian. If you are vigilant enough, regular ear cleanings can prevent the infections that land pets in the veterinarian’s office. Nail and tooth infections might seem fairly pedestrian at first, but they can lead to much deeper problems. Regular nail clippings and teeth cleanings can nip these problems in the bud. Contrary to what you might think, pet grooming does not have to be a stressful experience. Do a little research on the Internet and you’ll discover several clever tactics pet owners have found to make regular grooming a positive and enjoyable experience.

You’re strapped for cash already and don’t want to hear about the importance of regular veterinarian visits, but it’s inevitable. Prevention will always be the best medicine. The cost of a yearly checkup is a fraction of what you might end up paying if a treatable ailment goes unchecked. Call around and check prices. If your pet seems happy and healthy, you probably don’t need to bring her to the most advanced animal clinic in your region. Veterinarians at lower cost facilities undergo the same intense training as vets at state-of-the-art clinics. When it comes to regular vet visits, a low cost vet is always better than no vet at all. Animal clinics associated with veterinarian schools are a great low-cost alternative to advanced animal clinics. Get on Google and snoop around. You might have a low-cost or student clinic in your neck of the woods.

Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Responsible pet owners will find a way to maintain regular vet visits for their pets even in the worst of times. It requires an initial investment, but preventive care can neutralize health ailments before they exacerbate, saving you hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars in the long run.

Guest post by Leah Darvis of Prepay Cards where you can find a Prepaid Mango Card.

When Vet Bills Get out of Control originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 9, 2010.

Brushing is the grooming part that most dogs enjoy, and a bright clean coat is the right premise for good health. The brushes have to be adjusted to the dog’s hair. Thus, in order to prevent the tangling and matting of the hair, dogs with long thick hair should be brushed daily. It doesn’t take long and it makes things a lot easier when you take the dog to the groomer for the regular grooming routine. Medium-haired dogs require weekly brushing only, while short-haired breeds raise almost no problems in terms of brushing. We ought to emphasize the importance of good brushing during the shedding season. This also helps to prevent pet dander around the house.

If dogs love brushing, they certainly hate nail trimming. The gentlest of dogs will not like you handling his paws, which makes nail trimming challenging for most pet owners. Coming up with the best dog grooming solution for the matter would be a form to minimize discomfort and eliminate the pet’s fear of pain. A professional groomer or vet technician should be able to handle the monthly nail trimming without any problem, which is the best idea for everybody involved.

Bathing is another harsh time for pets and owners. Some dogs love washing, but what about a wet dog running out of the tub and making a mess all over in the house? Although a monthly bath is enough, there is no harm in bathing them weekly particularly if you have a professional groomer handle the entire operation. Besides the elimination of the bad smells, the best dog grooming and bathing will eliminate parasites that hide in the hair such as flees and ticks. Everybody knows how much of a nuisance these can be. Special shampoos are used depending on the case, and on occasion, the vet may have to give some recommendations too.

Victoria is a part time writer and is the owner of blingblingpuppy.com where you can find anything from dog beds, carriers, toys, collars and more.

Best Dog Grooming Practices originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 6, 2010.

I’ve never been more nervous than I was the first time I walked Trevor around his Orange Country neighborhood. The big Golden obviously wasn’t going to make it easy for me. Apparently he liked to assert his dominance every chance he could, which meant growling and barking at every other dog he saw on the street.

My brother suffered from some pretty bad allergies while we were growing up, so a dog was never an option for my family. When my aunt and uncle asked my fiancé and me if we’d watch Trevor for the weekend while they were out of town, I jumped at the chance. I’d always wanted a dog, and we had talked about adopting one for a while. This was a great chance to get a feel for what caring for a dog is really like. It soon dawned on me though – I didn’t know a thing! To make matters worse, it was the middle of the summer here in Orange County, CA. That meant temperatures regularly crossing into the mid-90’s. Not only had I never cared for a dog, but I’d never even thought of the differences in tactics and approach needed during the summer months.

After taking the time to read up on proper pet care and soliciting advice and tips from my dog-loving friends, I slowly began to feel comfortable taking care of Trevor as the long weekend progressed. By the end of it, I was sad to give the big guy back to my aunt and uncle. I was truly starting to enjoy spending time with the big fuzzy thing.
I’ve pet-sat many times since then for a variety of different dogs, cats, fish and really anything else that needed to be fed. I also had a few more chances to spend more quality time with Trevor! But I’ve never forgotten some of the important tips I learned that first month – especially in regards to keeping your pet safe from the hot summer sun. Below are some of the most important tips I learned about proper summer pet care, all of which I still follow today.

Protect them from the sun. Personally, I know I can’t spend more than five minutes outside without a thick layer of sunscreen to protect my pale Irish skin. It was surprising to learn that many pets need a similar treatment. If you pet has short hair, white fur or pink skin, they may need additional protection when out in the sun over the summer months. Try to limit their exposure to direct sunlight during the day to deter sun damage. While shaving your pet may seem like a good idea to keep them cool, it can also make them more vulnerable to sun damage. Talk to your vet about the best type of sunscreen or any other sun protection for your pet.

Be careful near gardens and garages. It’s typically a good idea to limit your pet’s access to gardens and garages over the summer months due to the various toxic substances found there. Fertilizer and other garden chemicals can be hazardous to your pet’s health – even deadly. The same goes for anti-freeze, which can leak from cars during summer months. Pets – especially dogs – are drawn to it, but it’s pure poison for them.

Practice pool safety. Summer is a time for pools, and while that’s great for us, it can be dangerous for most pets. Many pets can’t swim, and those that can are often unable to exit a pool that has high sides. Keep an eye on your pet when near a pool or other large body of water. If you have your own pool, it’s probably a good idea to train your pet to escape using the stairs in event of a fall. Make sure they don’t drink the heavily chemical-infused water either.

Take frequent, shorter walks. Rather than one long walk every day, take your pet on several shorter walks on hot days. This allows them to still get the proper exercise they need while also making sure they don’t overheat in the sun. Overexertion is one of the biggest causes f heat-related illnesses in pets. Shorter, more frequent walks will help prevent this, and can also help to keep you fresh as well. If possible, try to time your walks for early morning or evening hours when the sun is less intense.

Be aware in crowded areas. While it might seem fun and harmless at first, it is usually not a good idea to take your pet with you to a crowded summer party or event. This can include concerts, Fourth of July parties and fireworks shows. Loud noises and stress associated with the large crowds can be dangerous for your pets when combined with the summer heat. If you do take your pets with you, keep an eye on them and make sure they are tagged and leashed at all times.

Mike Tennant is a freelance writer and columnist from Orange County, CA. Mike currently works with Air and Water Inc. and strives to help consumers find the best evaporative coolers for their needs – and sometimes for their dogs’ needs too!

Cool Summer Tips for Your Pet originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on July 1, 2010.

Rascal. What a perfect name for such a cherub of a dog. Full of mischief and such a tomboy I forget at times she is a girl. It took me two weeks to stop calling her, him. The placement of a rhinestone tiara on her head changed all that.

She is short to the ground, thick, round, and weighs in at thirty-five pounds of solid muscle. Rascal gleefully runs across the room and jumps on the couch to be near you. She hits your lap and you’d swear a bowling ball just landed with a plop. The she starts gleefully licking your face with her very thick tongue.

“What is she?” I asked when I called the shelter. The mixture of patterns on her squat body fascinated me. A little clown dog her white square face and palest pink highlights. With one blue eye and one dark eye she looks back at you with adoration. Most of her body is the pinkish white. A third of the way down her back it looks like a crazy woman tried knitting a brindle sweater on her. When she rolls on her side her plump belly is pink and white with huge polka dots sprinkled from one end to another.

“She has bulldog in her,” the voice at the end of the phone told me. “And maybe a little daschund.”
I looked at the photo and thought no way. “How do you get that? She looks like she has some pit in her.” There was that dreaded word pit. I’ve seen so many pit mixes looking for homes it is sad people give them such a bad rap.

“Well, could be. But when you see her crooked legs and funny feet, you’ll understand.”

She does have funny feet. Think ballet. Her front feet splay outwards. She looks like a ballerina about to do a plié (plee-AY). The word plié means “bent.” To do this ballet move, you stand at the barre in the starting position and turn your feet out only as far as is comfortable. Then you bend at the knees, your arm gently goes out and you rise back up.

My vet smiled when he met Rascal. He mimiced the ballet position, placed his feet facing outward and did a dip opening and closing his arms.

“I’m getting too old for this,” he smiled at me. “I think that movement just pinched my back.”

“You were pretty graceful. With your talent and Rascal’s feet you both could be in Swan Lake.” I shook my head watching him.

“She’s a cutie.” My vet chuckled as he bent down to listen to her heart. She took her thick tongue and gave him a kiss. “How many dogs is this now, Miss Barbara?” He likes to kid me about that too.

Rascal was the fourth rescue dog to come into my home in nine months. I also had my old dog, a german shepherd that I had for fourteen years. Now there would be five. The non profit animal shelter that had Rascal was run by a state trooper. State trooper Peggy. She came to do the home check in full uniform. I opened the door to be greeted with flashing lights so bright they almosted blinded me in the dark of night.
“Told ya I was gonna do that.” She gave a hearty chuckle as I invited her in.

Yes indeedy. I am sure my neighbors wondered what this widow lady had done now that the law was in her driveway. Rascal was delivered to me on New Year’s Eve. I laughingly told the state trooper I needed a date and Rascal was it. She had sixty dogs and was ready to find a good home for this one. She didn’t care if I sounded crazy.

“Be a better date than most, I reckon.” She had me sign some papers before she made a hasty retreat.
Rascal was a bundle of love that suddenly had invaded the space of my other dogs. That night I was a wreck. As the ball fell in Times Square to bring in the New Year I was trying to keep my wits about me while my seven pound rescue chihuahua yapped at Rascal, her little voice screeching in my ears. The other dogs ignored the situation, but I was worried the bowling ball shaped new member of the pack might land on the chi and squash her. She was certainly annoying enough.

New Year’s Day was no better. The yapping from the Chi was impossible. Rascal was mouthing her and the two of them were rolling over each other on the couch. I called the State Trooper. “Those two are going at it. Rascal has her mouth on my Chi’s neck…” I knew I was going to loose the seven pounder.

“Aw, they’re just playing. Rascal mouthed the puppies from the last litter here. She’s gentle. Get out, relax and let them play.”

I looked at the dogs in front of me, grabbed my purse and ran out the door. Dinner and a glass of wine. That was all I could think of. They’ll sort it out. I think I was so nervous because this was the first time the group didn’t just meld together. I returned two hours later and five dogs were watching for me lined up in front of the picture window. I turned the key in the door and five dogs came up happy to see me. Rascal and the Chi were running side by side.

The dance continues at this house. A week later a sixth dog was brought to me by State trooper Peggy. I think I hear Tchaikovsky playing on my radio. I can picture Rascal in her tiara leading the pack as they pirouette across my hardwood floors.

Swan Lake performed by Rascal originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on June 10, 2010.

We all know that mosquitoes are annoying pests that buzz around and then bite, leaving a welt that itches terribly. Mosquitoes bite humans and animals with no regard to species, and they bring along a number of illnesses. For humans, mosquitoes can lead to such diseases as Yellow Fever and West Nile Virus among others. For animals, the bugs can cause harmful disease and life threatening conditions. As a pet owner, you will be obviously concerned about the safety and well-being of your beloved pet. In order to know how to fight mosquitoes for your safety and your pet’s safety, you must understand just what those bugs can cause for your pet.

Heartworms
Perhaps the most well known mosquito born disease, heartworms can be fatal to dogs and occasionally cats and foxes. Heartworm larvae are carried by mosquitoes and then transmitted to the dog’s bloodstream when the mosquito bites. Once the worms hatch, they reach the dog’s heart, eventually causing death if not treated soon enough. Heartworms are easily controlled by any one of a number of medications designed to kill the worms or repel mosquitoes. EEE, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus. EEE is also commonly known as the sleeping sickness due to the symptoms it exhibits. This illness is particularly dangerous since it can infect both humans and horses, causing damage to the central nervous system. The damage the illness causes can lead to death if not treated. EEE can cause everything from headaches to seizures and even comas. Because the illness is mosquito-borne, the best way to avoid it is to kill the insects with something like a Mosquito Magnet or a product with DEET before the mosquitoes have an opportunity to pass on the virus.

SLE, or Saint Louis Encephalitis
Occurring mostly in southern regions, close to the Gulf of Mexico, SLE is mosquito-borne. Causing similar symptoms as EEE, this illness attacks the nervous system of animals and humans. In human cases, generally the illness only poses a danger to small children or the elderly. The disease can attack domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, as well as livestock, such as horses, chickens, and cattle. The illness is purely mosquito born and can be avoided if steps are taken to repel mosquitoes.

WEE, or Western Equine Encephalitis
This illness is another strain of encephalitis that affects horses alone. A nervous system illness, the disease can lead to death. WEE is transmitted to horses via mosquitoes and is fairly uncommon when compared to other types of encephalitis.

West Nile Virus
Almost everyone has heard of West Nile Virus since it is a fairly new mosquito-borne illness. The virus originated in Africa, around the Nile region and has only threatened the United States in recent years. The virus traveled across continents because it easily infects birds. When a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human or mammal, it can transmit the virus. Exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the illness will eventually cause nervous system damage. It can affect humans, birds, horses, dogs, cats, and other mammals.

Mosquito-borne illnesses can be harmful to humans as well as animals. If you have pets, like cats, dogs or even horses, it is best to be aware of the damage that mosquitoes can cause. They are not just pests, and this is important to remember, especially with the threat of such diseases as West Nile affecting the country in modern times.

Now that you are aware of the diseases that can be caused by mosquitoes, you may be wondering how to prevent these illnesses and protect your pets. With mosquitoes, the best rule is that you need to repel them. When one mosquito appears, there are sure to be many more around, so you will need to repel the whole swarm. When you want to protect both you and your pets from mosquito-borne diseases, there are several options you could consider. While you could choose chemical sprays with DEET, you may prefer a safer, non-poisonous option. The Mosquito Magnet works by actually attracting mosquitoes to it. It then traps the bugs, and it can attract and trap the whole swarm. You can choose various models that can protect up to an acre of land without obstruction. Citronella plants make a great addition to a landscape and can also help repel mosquitoes and other pests. Mosquitoes are an annoyance and they are dangerous. When it comes time to deal with the pests, don’t forget about keeping your pets and other animals safe. They are just as susceptible as you to the diseases that mosquitoes carry, so make sure they are protected.

Protecting Your Pets from Pests and Disease originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on June 3, 2010.

1. Ticks can be difficult to spot. Ticks are tiny, some about the size of a pin head. They can resemble freckles, moles or even specks of dirt. Also, they can hide behind floppy ears or in long fur. Don’t assume your dog is tick-free just because you can’t readily see one.
2. Ticks may be transferred to humans. You may not spend much time outdoors, but if your dog does, then you can get a tick, too. Be sure to give yourself a good check-over. Ticks gravitate toward warm places such as inner elbows, armpits and even between toes.
3. Tick-borne diseases are prevalent in certain locales. Be aware of areas where Lyme disease (a common tick-borne illness) is prevalent: the eastern coastal states and the north central states, especially parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin and northern California.
4. Ticks must be removed properly. Many supposed “tricks” to easily remove ticks are floating around. However, most authorities DO NOT recommend applying a hot match, petroleum jelly, alcohol, nail polish or etc. to try to remove the tick. Instead, use tweezers and grab as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out, slowly and steadily. (Hint: special tick removal tweezers work great. Kelly agrees!)
5. Tick prevention requires a good defense.Topical tick treatments are recently under scrutiny for the possibility of adverse effects. Discuss this with your veterinarian. You might consider an annual Lyme disease vaccine if you live in a high-risk area. Above all, check your dog for ticks frequently. I’ve found ticks just by patting Kelly. I also use a magnifying glass for confirmation (if you see legs, it’s a tick!)

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5 things to know about pets and pests originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on June 1, 2010.

The rise in foreclosures over the last few years has been paralleled by a spike in the number of animals that are being brought to shelters for what most owners are listing as “moving reasons”.  In the last year alone, foreclosure rates have risen 15% in the United States (a total of about 300,000 properties), while almost three million homes were threatened with foreclosure.  And with the economy continuing in a state of recession, these numbers will continue to go up over the coming years.

So what does this mean for animal shelters that are already overflowing?  Unfortunately, it means that most shelters can expect more of the same.  While there are no exact numbers on how many animals are coming in from foreclosed homes (since many people don’t give an accurate reason), shelters have noted a dramatic increase in the number of homeless pets they take in, either from owners dropping them off, or from pets that are simply abandoned outdoors or in empty houses.  And limited public funding means that shelters have to rely on public donations to bear the brunt of rising costs for care and housing of these animals.  Unfortunately, a recession also means that less people are adopting from or donating to shelters.  And this all leads to the most unfortunate outcome, euthanasia.

Luckily, there is a lot you can do to help.  Even if you don’t have the time, space, or funding to take on the permanent care of an animal, you can still donate money to your local shelter or online at www.aspca.org/donate.  A small donation each month could make a world of difference for one lucky animal.  Most shelters will also accept donations of food, blankets, and toys.  Or if you don’t have the money, donate some time.  You can volunteer at your local shelter (anything from clerical work to grooming to caring for pets until they go to their adoptive home) or put together a fundraiser to help out.  You can make a big difference without spending a dime and you’ll have the reward of knowing that you helped save a life.

Guest post by Sarah of Maxi Dress Mania.

Guest Post: Foreclosures Threaten Pets As Well As People originally appeared on 4 The Love of Animals on May 15, 2010.