-
Archive for January, 2009
Are You Ready for Some Pupball?
Are you wondering what to do on Super Bowl Sunday since your team isn’t headed to Tampa?
Be sure to check out Puppy Bowl V on Animal Planet before the Super Bowl. This annual game is played to raise awareness of the many animals residing in shelters. The starting line-ups are comprised of puppies available for adoption from animal shelters in the Washington, DC metro area. Information on adopting these adorable puppies will be available during the contest.
Puppy Bowl V is played at Animal Planet Stadium and officiated by a referee, who will use instant replays and puppy penalties to ensure the game doesn’t go to the dogs. And of course, one lucky player will be voted MVP…Most Valuable Puppy!
Puppy Bowl V will be held February 1 from 3-5 pm. To see the starting line-ups or vote for fan favorite, please visit http://animal.discovery.com/tv/puppy-bowl/puppy-bowl.html.
And the winner is…
Super Bowl XLIII is only one of the competitions you don’t want to miss this weekend. The eighth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, one of America’s most prestigious dog shows, will premiere on Animal Planet on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8 PM.
The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship showcases dogs from around the country as they vie for the title of “Best in Show”. Almost 3,000 dogs competed last month for a total of $225,000 in prizes. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the largest prize money dog show in the world, including $50,000 awarded to the National Champion.
Tune in to see who is crowned top dog!
Pet Treat Recall
PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.
The recalled products include only the following types of Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits sold between Aug. 21, 2008 and Jan. 19, 2009:
-
Small Assorted 32 oz., UPC 73725702900
-
Small/Medium Assorted 4 lb., UPC 73725700601
-
Small/Medium Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700605
-
Small/Medium Assorted 10 lb., UPC 73725702755
-
Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700638
-
Extra Large Assorted 8 lb., UPC 73725700779
-
Peanut Butter 4 lb., UPC 73725700766
Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.
Pet-Proof Your Home
A Room-by-Room Guide
The time is almost here. It shouldn’t be long before the new First Dog takes up residence in the White House. Before any new addition is brought home, make sure your house is ready for its newest member. A new home is a blank canvas for many pets with plenty to see, do and get into. These helpful tips will keep your new pet safe and sound.
Bathroom
-
Keep all medications, hygiene products, air fresheners and cleaning supplies out of pet’s reach
-
Keep the lid on the toilet seat down
Kitchen
-
Place all plastic bags in a cabinet
-
Keep sharp utensils and breakables our of pet’s way
-
Keep cleaning supplies locked in a cabinet
-
Clean up accidents and messes immediately
-
Make sure the garbage can is secure and that pets can’t get into the garbage
Garage
-
Keep paint, motor oil, chemicals, anti-freeze, insecticides and other poisons locked up
-
Clean up any spills immediately
-
Keep tools out of pet’s reach
Throughout the House
-
Keep loose electrical cords out of sight
-
Make sure pets can’t get tangled in curtain/blind cords
-
Create a pet first-aid kit
-
Post numbers to a vet, an emergency vet clinic and animal poison control near the phone
Share your own pet-proofing experiences and suggestions in the comments area below.
Pros vs. Joes: The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
The recent movie, “Marley and Me,” highlights the ups and downs of life with man’s best friend by showcasing Marley’s antics, including the terrorization of a hapless pet sitter while the family is on vacation.
While this scene may have instilled fear in some pet owners, it emphasizes the reasons why pet owners should hire a professional pet sitter to care for their pets while they are away.
While friends, family members or neighbors seem like a logical choice for pet care, a professional pet sitter has the experience and qualifications necessary to appropriately care for companion animals.
Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, was founded on three key principals: professional excellence, outstanding service and high-quality standards.
PSI membership requires that 51 percent of a member’s business must be obtained from pet sitting services alone. In addition, all members are asked to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards for Excellence in Pet Sitting.
PSI members have access to the most extensive benefits and affiliate programs in the industry including:
-
monthly educational e-Newletters
-
a bi-monthly educational magazine
-
regional and national conventions.
-
bonding and liability insurance
-
background checking services to screen prospective employees
-
PSI’s Accreditation Program
Professional pet sitters are confident because they know the job will be done well no matter what situations arise, even when caring for one of the world’s worst mannered dogs.
PSI member pet-sitting businesses can be located at www.petsit.com/locate.
Choosing a new dog is a major (cabinet) decision
Whether you are the President-elect or simply the head of a household, choosing a new dog is a difficult and important decision.
You may think you know what breed you want and what is best for your family, but be certain to consider all options and opinions.
Take time to study various breeds, their traits and how they will interact within your home environment. This decision may also benefit from outside expertise. Consider consulting with your pet sitter, who likely spends the most time with your other pets, second to you.
While your new puppy may not be making its ”mark” in the West Wing, it will be a new addition to your house and that is not a decision to take lightly.
For more information on selecting a new puppy, check out these great tips.
Tips to Help Winterize Your Pets
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but it’s our job to keep our pets’ environment delightful. Cold temperatures, snow and ice are enough to send us back inside for another layer of protection, but what about our beloved pets? They also need extra protection against winter’s frigid conditions.
Pet Sitters International offers the following winter-proofing tips to help keep your pets healthy, happy and safe during the cold winter months:
-
Keep pets inside as much as possible. Young pets, old pets and short-haired breeds are more vulnerable to cold weather and should not be left outside unsupervised.
-
Dogs should never be left out during a snowstorm because they frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost.
-
If your pet has to be kept outside, provide adequate shelter. Add straw for additional insulation from the cold and furnish a snug, warm bed that does not sit directly on the ground.
-
Supply your pet with extra food and water when outside for extended periods of time. Make sure to use plastic dishes, as glass or porcelain can crack when temperatures drop.
-
Ice-melting chemicals and salt can irritate and burn the pads of your pet’s paws. Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s feet once it has returned inside.
-
Clip the long hair on the bottom of your dog’s feet to prevent buildup of ice balls that can be painful and difficult to remove.
-
Trim nails regularly. It is difficult to maintain solid footing in icy conditions with long nails.
-
Antifreeze is poisonous. Thoroughly clean up any spills and store household chemicals out of your pet’s reach. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
-
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep. All pets, including small caged pets need to be kept warm and away from drafts.
-
Drivers are advised to blow the car horn or bang on the hoods and sides of the car prior to driving to alert cats that may be taking advantage of the engine’s warmth.
-
Follow Us on Twitter!
Locate a Pet Sitter
Recent Comments