Monthly Archives: April 2013

animal & pets

Scratching Posts: Why do Cats Need Them?

Scratching Post
Scratching Post

Scratching posts have become an essential piece of cat furniture for many cat owners. Cats are known to scratch anything that looks enticing to them, including your beautiful furniture. This is a normal behavior for cats, passed down from the older generation of cats. People have always wondered why cats scratch objects. Researchers have come up with some answers that will leave you pleasantly surprised. Find out the answers and learn how you can satisfy your cat’s need to scratch, while protecting your prized possessions in your home.

Why Cats Need to Scratch

Having a cat comes with the risks of having some of your furniture sporting a new look, cat claw marks. Most likely you plan to have your can around for a long time, which means that you will have to come up with a solution. It is typical of humans to have curious minds, so it is natural for us to want to know what causes this scratching behavior. According to animal researchers, cats have a good reason to scratch. Some of the reasons why cats scratch include: they want to communicate with other cats (their claws leave marks and their paws leave a scent), to shed their claws, and to stretch.

Keeping Your Cat Happy

Divert your cat’s attention away from your furniture by disguising it in a way that will change her mind from scratching. Protect your furniture with furniture protectors. Now that you have done that, you will need to have a scratching post ready and waiting for your cat. It may be best if you purchase more that one scratching posts and put them near the object that your cat normally enjoys scratching. As the days go by, and your cat gets used to her new scratch post, you may move them, one at a time, to a more desirable location in the house. Check out the price and availability of scratch posts on Amazon. You may also read customer reviews about this scratching post as well.

SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Tips to Attract Cats to a Scratching Post

Some cats may need a little push when it comes to using a scratching post. Many cat owners have found catnip to be useful when encouraging their cats to use the posts. You may hang bags of catnip on the post or sprinkle the catnip at the base of each post. Reward your cat with its favorite treat each time he uses the post to scratch. Don’t forget to give him a lot of praises as well. In little to no time, your furniture will be a distant memory to your cat.

animal & pets

Dogs Oral Hygiene: How Important is it?

Dental hygiene for dogs are just as important as it is for humans. Dogs can have bad breath and dental problems if proper dental care is not followed. Practicing good dental hygiene can help to prolong your pet’s life, by preventing serious health issues as result of bacteria, which can sometimes get into the bloodstream. Although you should bring your dog for his regular checkups, it is necessary that you take care of your dog’ teeth at home. In addition to brushing his teeth, there are other things that you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Use these doggy dental care tips to keep your pet teeth glistening all the time.

Doggy Dental Home Check

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, is to do a visual check at home. The most obvious sign of dental problems in dogs is bad breath. If you dog’s breath smells different than it normally used to smell, this may indicate dental issues. Check your pet’s teeth and gums carefully. Look for signs of tartar buildup on the teeth. Look at the gums for signs of gum disease. Healthy gums should be pink instead of red, puffy or pale. There are different types of dental problems in dogs. Some of the most common types are gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath), periodontal disease, proliferating gum disease and salivary cysts.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your dog’s teeth. There are also finger toothbrushes, which are great for massaging the gums. Your dog may put up a fight at first, therefore, you have to take your time to introduce teeth brushing. Use your fingers to lift the dog’s lips to make it easier to get to those hard to reach places. Move the toothbrush in a circular motion while brushing, as this will help to loosen and remove tartar from the teeth. Unlike humans, you don’t have to brush dogs teeth every day. Three days a week is sufficient to promote healthy gums and teeth.

Other Healthy Habits

There are other things that can be used to keep your dog’s mouth healthy, such as giving him toys to chew on. These are great for massaging the gums, while removing tartar. You should also feed your dog healthy meals consistently. By continuing to take these extra measures to ensure a good dental hygiene for you dog, both you and your pet will eventually see the benefits.

animal & pets

Pets & Fashion: Give Your Pet a Boost of Confidence

Pet fashion is becoming the norm these days. It is not uncommon to see dogs in various types of designer pet clothes and accessories to match. Years gone by, you would think that people who dress up their pets were losing their minds, but not anymore. Although these pets can’t talk, they sure show it in their attitude. Whether you are looking to purchase cute pet shirts or fashionable boots for your pets, there is always something unique to choose from. There are many ways to have fun with your pets by dressing them in personalized pet apparel or mixing and matching outfits and accessories.

Pet Apparel Benefits

Dressing pets in cute clothing does more than just making your pet look adorable. In the winter months, a warm jacket can keep your furry friend warm and comfy. When you are taking your dog for a walk, a nice pair of cute doggy boots can be beneficial to her little feet. In the summer while your pet run wild outdoors, clothing can protect against mosquitoes and keep your dog’s coat clean. If you are taking your dog for a ride, simply dress her in a lightweight cotton shirt, which will help to protect against the harmful sun rays. During the rainy season, there is not need for your dog to endure the harsh elements, when there are so many stylish rain jackets available to keep her warm and dry.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the right pet clothing is necessary in order to get a perfect fit. Keep in mind that not all clothing sizes will fit your dog.There are many designers, with sizes that varies.
Therefore, you need to know the size of your dog before you go on a shopping spree. It is best to take your dog’s measurement to avoid unnecessary shipping returns. Measure your dog while she is standing. Start by measuring the length of the dog’s back, the neck circumference and then the chest area. Some websites may have a size guide for various dog breeds, which you can use to determine the right size pet clothing.

Taking Care of Your Pet’s Apparel

At some point you will need to wash your pet’s clothing. All you will need to do is simply follow the instructions on the label. Choose a mild pet laundry detergent to wash your pet’s clothing, as this will prevent skin allergic reaction. Remove stains and odor with specialized products that are designed to break down urine, feces and grease. Dry the clothing thoroughly before putting them on your dog. Make a fashion statement by dressing in identical outfits as your pet.