Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding

It's that time of year again! The leaves turn the colors of a crackling flame, the wind blows chill, the ovens start to smell spicy and sweet, like pie and gingerbread men- and the relatives want to see you again.

Some people see this as a good thing (you love your family!) for some it is less of a good thing (your family is weird!)- but in either case, holiday time can be hectic with a dog or cat in your hands. Luckily, pet boarding goes hand in hand with the holidays.

Pet boarding is when you send your pet to a pet hotel, basically. You pay the boarding place a certain rate per day, and they will cater to your pet's needs: feeding, watering, exercising, entertaining, sometimes washing/brushing... it depends on the boarding place. So, let's go over some of the Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding.

PROS

• Gets your pet out of your hair if family is visiting your home
• Saves you the tiresome trouble of flying your Fido or Fluffy to the family's house
• Someone is allergic to pet dander! They cannot be near an animal- which is why yours should be at a pet boarding place
• Your pet will possibly get to meet new friends! Yay!
• Most boarding places will take care of your pet's more special needs (e.g. pills, special food/water, certain coat moisturizers/shampoos, etc)

CONS

• Your pet may get anxious away from home (may be best to look for a pet sitter)
• You cannot part form your Fido or Fluffy! You just love him so!
• Your pet does not like new people or animals (does not usually have to socialize if not needed)
• Some boarding places do not take care of your pet's special needs
• Rates near you may be too pricey- especially before Xmas

In either case, have a great season and ALWAYS

 LOVE YOUR PET <3

 

 

Cures For The Common (Dry) Coat

Having a dry coat is not uncommon for a dog, regardless the coat type or climate. However, a dry coat can be very irritating for your dog, and often very unappealing.

 

 

Dogs have oils in their skin and fur. When these oil levels decrease, it causes dry, sometimes reddened skin and makes the coat brittle and dry, losing its shine. In order to restore your dog's coat to its former glory, you need to boost the oil levels in their coat. I will list different ways to do so here.

 

WARNING!

If your dog's coat is severely dry and/or red, call your vet. Also, some dogs may be allergic to certain dog foods, grooming products, and supplements.

 

 

 

 

One way to treat a dry coat is to change your dog's diet; it likely lacks nutrition or vitamins. Look for a label that says something like, "Helps healthy skin and shiny coat!" Also, check the ingredients. Good ingredients for your dog's coat are:

• Fish
• Vegetables
• Few grains
• Little to no preservatives or dyes

 

When it comes to my dogs, I feed them Benful dog food for a healthy coat. However, every dog is different and it is best to get assisstance from a pet store associate or veterinarian when shopping for dog food. These are more good dog

foods to help coats: 

• Beneful
• Purina ProPlan
• Nutro Natural Choice
• Science Diet
• Blue

Another way to treat dry, itchy coats is supplements. Supplements are just vitamins that give your dog more of the vitamins and nutrients they need for a shiny coat, such as:

 

• Protein
• Omega-3
• Zinc
• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Biotin
• Flaxseed oil

For more info check out this link:

http://www.petsmart.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=13362095&utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dog+food+for+dry+coat&utm_content=Dog_Health-Skin_&_Coat&utm_campaign=US_Merch_Search_Desktop_Near_Consumables_Food-Dog_v&OVMTC=e&OVKEY=dog%20food%20for%20dry%20coat&timestamp={msimpts}&url_id=148697832&utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dog+food+for+dry+coat&utm_content=Dog_Health-Skin_&_Coat&utm_campaign=US_Merch_Search_Desktop_Near_Consumables_Food-Dog_v&creative=4372566&adcid=9907788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



LOOOOVEEE YO PET! ☺♥♪



Rescue The Birds!

Okay, you ought to be familiar with pet rescues. But when you think of pet rescues, what do you think of? Dogs, cats, maybe rabbits or even horses? How about birds? Didn't think so- but if you did, then good for you.

Birds have certainly earned their titles as our feathery friends, from the charismatic conure, to the perky parakeet, to the flighty little finch. So, when a beloved (or maybe not) bird friend has to be given up, where will they go? Releasing a pet bird into the wild is dangerous and often illegal; the bird will likely die. The answer to that question is, as you can tell from the title, is a bird rescue.

Bird rescues are helpful homes for birds who have been abandoned or given up- same as any other pet rescue. However, they specialize in caring for birds and restoring them back to health. Here is a list of a few bird rescues in the U.S.  I got this information via www.avianweb.com/rescue.html  Hope you enjoy!

Flight For Flight Parrot Rescue - 501c3 non-profit parrot rescue - Tulsa, Oklahoma: Rehabilitator and educator about parrots. Cover the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. Website: http://www.fight4flightparrotrescue.com - Email: fight4flightparrotrescue@yahoo.com PH. #'s 918-283-1264 / 918-845-7745 / 918-633-7257

Sedona, Arizona: Bird rescue operated by a local Buddhist community: www.garudaaviary.org

Finest Feathers Bird Sancturay wildoneswelcomed@gmail.com Finest Feathers is based in Lake Elsinore, CA and has a second location in El Cajon, Ca. Accept all birds, except those that by law should be given to the wildlife rehab department. They are not a medical facility, so they cannot take in those needing urgent verterinay care.

 PEAC (Parrot Education & Adoption Center): Address: PO Box 600423, San Diego, CA 92160 - Phone (619) 287-8200; e-mail: parroted@peac.org

 Feathered Family, - featheredfamily.com - Erie CO, Rescue, Rehoming and Adoption of Companion Parrots

 Clearwater: Neurotic Exotics/ Tortoise Den Inc, 1559 - Contacts: Jamie Mitchell 727-657-4721; Mark Mitchell 727-455-5970. Work with cockatoos, parrots, macaws, african greys, keets, conures, eclectus. Any and all conditions and situations. Also try to help people keep their birds when possible. Able to pick up. Willing and proud to assist military families as well. Domestic issues etc. Assist with a emergency housing facility zoo and humane society as well. 

 Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary, a Florida parrot rescue organization. 418 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 - http://www.marsparrots.org/

 Dee's Haven Bird Rescue - Donna L. Kristosik -- websites: www.deeshaven.com or www.myspace.com/deeshaven

 Maui Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, 315 Pauwela, Hiki, HI 96705, (808) 575-7698, cujo@wedtv.net

Beak N Wings - a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization located in Kansas City. Take in homeless, unwanted or abused parrots, "rehabilitate" them, and find them good, permanent, loving homes - http://www.beaknwings.org - For more information call: 913 322-3398 or e-mail: admin@beaknwings.org

 Peace Paws and PALS (Parrot Assisted Living Services) is located in Lansing MI and we take in birds of all sizes.  They are 501(c)3 tax exempt, and offer indoor free flight for both large and small birds.  Website is listed below, none of the birds are adopted out once they arrive at our sanctuary, but some are used in our parrot therapy programs.  Feel free to inquire about any further questions. Jessy Owens, Peace Paws,www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI571.html - Preventing Exotic and Avian Cruelty Everywhere.

 IIRBS, Inc, Chillicothe MO 64601 ... Rehabilitate and rehome rescued and surrendered parrots and exotic birds. Permanent sanctuary is also given to certain parrots upon request under certain circumstances. website is www.iggysbirds.com; email is iirbsinc@aol.com and phone is 660-707-5472. Stephanie Barclay, Director

 Northeast Avian Rescue,13 Couse Place, East Greenbush, NY 12061 - Rescue/Adoption hotline (518) 708-6091 Rescue/Adoption contacts: Robert Lewis: bob@ringobirds.com (518) 209-4056, Lauren Palmateer: lmcguire1@nycap.rr.com. Do adopt out and will accept any parrot or exotic pet bird. Have three foster locations and are willing to provide both fostered and facilitated adoptions depending on the surrenderer's needs. Serving Eastern New York and adjoining states.

 Lair Of Dragons Bird Rescue & Sanctuary located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 717-431-8599. An exotic bird rescue 7 sanctuary dedicated to preserving the welfare of companion parrots. Adoptions, rehabilitation, medical and sanctuary home for birds whom can not be adopted out do to aggression, behavioral or medical problems. http://www.lairofdragonsbirdrescue.com e-mail: contact@lairofdragonsbirdrescue.com. Have strict policies and require a contract to be signed. Absolutely no breeding, selling, giving away or using any bird for entertainment purposes.

 Wings of Love Bird Haven, Inc. - a 501c3 nonprofit bird rescue facility that takes in parrots (conure sized and larger) - Located in Red Oak Tx. Also do adoptions. Website: www.bird-haven.org. Contact email is info@bird-haven.org. Also on facebook: www.facebook.com/birdhaven.

 Good Fox Birdie Haven - Email : goodfoxbirdiehaven@yahoo.com - A 501(c)3 non-profit rescue/rehab & adoption shelter providing temporary and permanent housing for domestic exotic birds, located in Algona Washington. Have worked with local police and Animal control to aid in rescues. Help in emergency situations available: Tel. 253- 333-0766. Please visit us at: www.goodfoxbirdiehaven.com, FB: Good Fox Birdie Haven. Executive Director(s) Dave & Sharon Fox

Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it! Again, all the information on this list is from www.avianweb.com/rescue.html where you can find plenty more info on Bird Rescues and more!

LOOOOVVVEE YOUR PET!!! XOXO ;)

Tips for Dog Brushing

Tips for Dog Brushing:

• Don't Miss A Spot-  When brushing a dog, most people simply brush the back and neck, and done. However, that just won't cut it. Remember to brush ALL parts of the dog, including: back, neck, front legs, hind legs, head, ears, chest, stomach, tail, bottom, and any feathering. Even if your dog has short hair, all spots must be brushed to help not only their hair, but their skin.

• Know Your Coat- By this, of course, I mean your dog's coat. There are many different kinds of coats: Short and smooth, wiry, curly, long and smooth, long and thick, medium, hairless, etc. Brushing schedules and different kinds of brushes vary depending on coat type. To find out your dog's coat type, ask your vet, or find it on www.animalplanet.com and search your dog's breed. 

• Shedding Seasons- The most common shedding seasons for dogs are spring and fall, when a dog sheds its winter and summer coats, so mark your calenders for extra brushing and lots of vacuuming!

• Brush Often- This actually depends on season and coat type (see above), but in most cases: brush often. For example, I brush my Golden Retriever 2-3 times a week in summer and winter, and probably 3-5 times a week in fall and spring. As for my Whippet/Jack Russell/Border Collie (who inherits his coat from the latter most), I brush him about 2 times a week in summer and winter, and 3-4 times a week during spring and fall. To know how often to brush your dog, ask a vet or, again, find it on www.animalplanet.com and search your dog's breed.

• Use The Right Tools- For each coat type, a different sort of brush is needed. At most stores such as Dollar Tree and Walmart, only simple brushes with one side wire and one side stiff are provided. Yes, that does work, but not very well. I suggest visiting Petco or Petsmart because their brushes are labled with what coat type they are for.

Now Your All Set! Every pet is different and has different needs, keep that in mind.

 

 

 

Love Yo Pet!!!!!

This is Boomer at 6 and a Half Months!

Top 10 Wackiest Dog Breeds

Dogs are great! They vary from the gargantuan Great Dane, to the hairless Pharoah Hound, to the wrinkly basset hound, to the teeny tiny, rat-like Chihuahua.

 

WHAT IS THE WACKIEST BREED THAT YOU KNOW???

Here are my Top 10!

 

The Chinese Crested (Baldy)

The Puli (mop dog)

The Bergamasco (whoa! fish scales)

The Bedlington Terrier (little lamb?)

 

The Norwegian Lundehund (Mr. Six Toes and Stretchy Legs)

The Tibetan Mastiff (I shall call him The Lion King)

 

The Bull Terrier (Not sold at Target)

 

The Catalburun (Should consider a nose job)

 

The Chinese Chongqing (looks like someone just said there were no more cookies)

The Neopolitan Mastiff (*jiggle jiggle*)

 

Thanks For Reading!!!! Leave comments of the wackiest dog YOU know!

LOOOOVE YOUUURRR PETTT!!!!



Why You Should Spay/Neuter Your Pet

I know that you've heard it before. Whether it was on a billboard on the freeway, mixed into a lecture given by your neighbor, or splashed across the screen on the website of a humane society; SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET! I can tell you one thing- they aren't kidding. The importance of spaying/neutering your pet cannot be stressed enough. If you are still unfamiliar as to what it means to have your pet fixed, here's a little description:

 

Spaying/Neutering is a procedure (by a professional veterinarian only!!!) where an animal-mainly dogs and cats but sometimes rabbits- is sterilized. By this, I mean they *ahem* take away the ability for this animal to... produce offspring. For female animals, it is known as spaying. For male animals, it is known as neutering. Overall, it is commonly referred to as "fixing." The surgery is usually given when the animal is young, but can still be done when it is an adult.

 

Now that you're all caught up, I can list the reasons WHY it is so important that you fix your pet- Hope this helps!

 

 

 

 

• Population- Many people didn't used to see the point in fixing their pets- now there are thousands of homeless animals left behind. According to http://www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com/page8.html , 70,000 puppies and kittens are born each day.
  
  
• Not Just Females- Male dogs/cats should be altered as well. It usually gives them less of a reason to run off in search of a canine/feline Juliette. Hold up your end of the deal- neuter!
  
  
• Puppies/Kittens Are Expensive, Imagine 10 of Them- The average cost of raising a litter of puppies can be about $900, not to mention the hard work- scooping poop, washing  blankets of pee, spraying LOTS of Lysol, feeding several messy puppies, and much more...
  For your sake, please alter your pet.
  
  
  •Puppy Mills- Oh, puppy mills. The heartless people who run these cruel things never alter their pets. They can easily use your pet as a mommy or daddy to HUNDREDS of Animals. Don't sink to their level.
  
  
  •Experience? Think Again- You might be thinking that you just want yourself or your child to experience new life or just the responsibility of having to care for a litter of kittens or puppies. Hate to rain on your parade, but there are hundreds of pregnant dogs and cats that you can see at your local shelter (ask first).
  
  
  •It Can Help You, Too- Spaying/Neutering your pet can lessen the urge for them to run away and find a mate. Males will usually mark their territory less. Often, pets become less aggressive.
  
  
  These are not the only reasons to spay/neuter your pet! I still hope that I have convinced you at least a little to alter your dog, cat or rabbit. 
  
  
  LoooOoooOve Your Pet <3

Chinchilla Time!

Chinchillas are commonly known as small, furry animals with big ears. That much is true, but I'll let you in on a few things that you may not know about chillas.

 

 

 

 

• Chinchillas can jump up to five feet in the air!

 

•  Chins can't get normal fleas

 

• A group of chinchillas is called a colony
 
 
• There are two living species of chinchillas: "Chinchilla brevicaudata" and "Chinchilla lanigera"

• Chin teeth can grow from 2-3 inches per year

• Chinchillas can't sweat

• Male chinchillas are smaller than female chinchillas

• Chins usually have 2 offspring or "kits"

• Chinchillas have more than 20,000 hairs per square cm

• Chinchillas have 20 hypsodontic teeth

Hope you enjoyed!

Loooove your pet!!! ☺♥♥