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Archive for April, 2009
Preventing Hairballs
Yesterday was National Hairball Awareness Day. Most cat owners are aware of what a hairball is and what causes them. Cat owners also know how dangerous they can be.
If your cat is stricken with hairballs, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these suggestions:
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Brush your cat to decrease the amount of hair that is ingested. If he has long hair, try to brush him daily. Afterwards, wipe your cat with a clean cloth to remove any loose hairs.
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Feed your pet commercial cat food specifically formulated to reduce hairballs. By improving skin and coat health, reducing shedding and increasing the amount of fiber in your cat’s diet, certain foods can decrease the formation of hairballs.
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Give your cat a hairball remedy or lubricant, available at most pet supply stores, to encourage the passage of hair through the intestinal tract. Such products should be used as directed.
- If your cat grooms himself excessively, give him a new toy or engage him in play to distract him from this activity. You will not only reduce the incidence of hairballs, but also spend some quality social time with your furry friend.
Happy Pet Parent’s Day
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company, has designated Sunday, April 26, Pet Parent’s Day. This day, the nation’s only official day celebrating pet caregivers, honors those who tirelessly scoop poop, dish out kibble, hold birthday parties in Fido’s honor and share a cramped bed with four paws.
In the spirit of applauding devoted pet parents for their hard work and diligent care, VPI has created electronic pawliday greeting cards at petparentsday.com. Nine different Pet Parent’s Day e-Cards will be available through April 26.
How do you plan to celebrate Pet Parent’s Day? Let us know in the comments section below.
Pets Going Green
Earth Day is tomorrow. What better time than now to consider ways that you, as a pet owner, can go green!
It may seem like you’ve heard this before, but one way pet owners can make a difference is to spay and neuter their pets. Animal shelters around the world are over-crowded by millions of unwanted pets.
Pick all-natural pet products. Leashes, collars and harnesses made from organic material ease the load on our natural resources.
Select eco-safe, biodegradable cat litter products. The traditional clay litter is obtained through strip mining and it doesn’t break down naturally, leaving landfills full of soiled cat litter.
Use biodegradable pet waste bags or boxes to clean up after your pet.
Buy Rover bedding and toys made out of recycled products.
Grow your own catnip.
There are many ways to adapt green living techniques into your daily life. Above all, be sure to keep in mind where things come from…and where they go when you are finished.
In or around the Denver area? Join PSI at the Magnolia Hotel, where feature speakers Lisa Faust and Kathy Deitsch will explain simple ways to integrate earth-friendly practices into your pet’s everyday routine.
Have you incorporated the color green into your life? Share how in the comments section below.
Does your pet have proper identification?
Did you know that The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates 6-8 million animals enter shelters each year? And of those, only about 30 percent of dogs and less than 5 percent of cats are reunited with their owners?
If the unthinkable happens and your pet ever becomes lost, make sure that your pet can be identified.
The good news is there are several different identification options for pets.
Collars and Tags – Outfit your pet with a collar and tags that include your pet’s name, your name, contact information, your veterinarian’s contact information and rabies vaccination information. Be sure to keep the collar on at all times. Consider adding your pet sitter’s name as a secondary contact.
Microchip Identification System – This option involves implanting a capsule under your pet’s skin. If lost, your pet’s microchip can be scanned for relevant information that you provide to one of the registering agencies.
Tattoo Identification System – This is a permanent identification system that involves marking a code on your pet’s skin. The person who finds your pet can then call whichever registry is associated with the tattoo to find the owner’s contact information.
Whichever method you choose, please make sure your pet can be identified to increase the chances of a happy reunion.
Is your pet tattooed or micro-chipped? Do you keep a recent picture of your pet on hand? What precautions have you taken to ensure your pet can be identified if lost? Let us know in the comments section below.
Be Prepared for Injuries is Message for National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a great time for all pet owners to learn how best to handle pet accidents and emergencies.
Dr. Emily Pointer, DVM, at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, said that the most important aspect pet owners should take away from National Pet First Aid Awareness Month is how critical it is to be prepared.
Dr. Pointer says that a good way to become prepared for emergencies is to be proactive; think about the most common accidents and then figure out how to prevent these emergencies from arising.
Simple first-aid procedures can be the difference between life and death. Knowing how to apply pressure to a source of bleeding and place a temporary bandage is vital to your pet’s safety, and may even save the life of your pet.
Dr. Pointer advises pet owners to call their veterinarians, an emergency veterinary center or poison control immediately and, above all, remain calm. Panicking will only stress the injured animal.
For additional information on pet-care tips, disaster planning guides and more, visit http://www.petsit.com.
The Scoop on Poop
This week, April 1-7, has been declared National Scoop the Poop Week. Can you dig it?
While this may seem like a silly declaration, it does come with a serious message. Did you know that pet waste can affect water quality? Pet waste that is not disposed of properly can find its way into storm drains and bodies of water without being treated at wastewater treatment facilities.
This week, and every week, please be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pets!
Do you have any tips for picking up after your pets? Have you found the perfect product to make this task a little easier? Let us know in the comments section below!
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