There are some things from which you should shield your pets during the festive months.

Some common holiday plants are toxic to cats and dogs.  Don’t keep holly, poinsettias, lilies or mistletoe on or near the floor, where pets have easy access to them.

If you have a live tree in your home, don’t let pine needles accumulate on the floor, as these needles can perforate the intestinal lining of dogs and cats.  Additionally, trees should be tethered to a wall or the ceiling to prevent them from falling on pets.

Don’t leave unfamiliar extension cords fully exposed, as these can resemble chew toys, which could result in serious injury to your dog.  Never leave lights plugged in when you are not at home.

Don’t allow your companion animals to drink holiday tree water, as it quickly becomes stagnant and can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria.  Consider putting up a wire fence to restrict access to tree water, and to gifts (aka, tempting chewing targets).

If you are decorating with tinsel, hang it out of reach of your pets, especially cats, as they are known to eat tinsel, which can result in intestinal distress.

And here are some suggestions for things you should consider doing as the year wraps up.

Do your gift wrapping on an elevated surface, where your pets can’t get into (and consequently eat) string, paper and ribbons that can cause intestinal blockages.

This is a good time of the year to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.  This helps to ensure the safety of the home and also avoids alarming your companion animals, as low batteries will often set off alerts that can scare your pets.

Encourage your holiday guests to refrain from feeding your companion animals human food, as this can result in diarrhea, vomiting and illness.

During the stress of the holidays, companion animals may drink more water, so be extra alert to providing this basic necessity.

Post your vet’s phone number in a prominent location, like your refrigerator.  This provides easy access to necessary information for anyone visiting your home, should a problem arise.

Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place for companion animals.

Very best regards,
Dr. Jane Bicks

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s), chemicals used only in recent decades as a flame retardant, have been shown in research to cause injury to the feline nervous system, as well as interfere with the production of certain hormones. Scientists are concerned that these chemicals could also lead to similar symptoms in humans, too.

PBDE’s have now been phased out of commercial production, but many of the products that contain them, like fabrics, furniture, foams, some plastics and other items, are still in use.

This evidence suggests that if your cat is suffering from hyperthyroidism, it could be the result of an object in your home – one that could be removed, and possibly lessen the severity of the illness.

Source: Environmental Science and Technology, August 2007.

Even though I am sure that you keep a close eye on your companion animal when outdoors, a number of things can happen to separate you.  If this does take place, the proper identification will help reunite you with your pet.  Animals without ID tags are often mistaken as strays and they are sometimes treated differently, so make sure your dog or cat has the proper identification.  I suggest a sturdy, yet comfortable, breakaway collar with an ID tag containing your pet’s name plus your name, address and phone number.  Also, hook your pet’s  rabies tag on the collar.

As some collars can fall off and others break away if caught on an object, a microchip is a good idea.  This is a very small device that your veterinarian can inject under the skin around the shoulder blades.  The chip has a number that is registered with the manufacturer and other local, state and nationwide agencies.  Many shelters and vets have scanners that read the number on the microchip.  Then, it’s a simple call to the manufacturer or agency to get your name and phone number for a happy ending.

Here’s wishing you and your companion animal a happy and safe Spring.

P.S.  Can your dog or cat use a little sprucing up, but it is too chilly for a bath? 

Try our Bath Fresh Mist.  An easy-to-use spray that is enhanced with a moisture-activated odor-fighter that safely absorbs and neutralizes odors, giving your pet a fresh “just bathed” look and feel. Contains a blend of certified organic herbal extracts, pure plant botanicals and natural fruit extracts that assist with detangling as well as nourishing the coat’s natural condition, leaving it soft, luxurious and delicately fragrant. Not just a cover up – actually neutralizes odors.  Rinse Free Formula! 

If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing for cooler days. Your pet will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you to care for your pet’s health so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a pet is like a newborn baby—they cannot tell you that they are hot or uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment so that your pet does not get too hot.

When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let it inside of a parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure they are allowed wherever you will be.

When the heat index is high, keep your pets inside. Pets that are not outdoors most of the time won’t know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a pet’s health, as it can burn his or her sensitive paw pads. If your pet does go outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside, it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.

Keep your pet well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you pet often will help get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your pet has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if possible. Preventing overheating is key.

As always, make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry friend is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the summer days make your sweat.

And when it comes time to feeding your pal, be sure it’s Life’s Abundance all natural pet food that you pour in their bowl. They will appreciate it and may live longer, happier lives because of your caring to feed them the best pet food anywhere.

There are many different reasons why your cat or dog could become too cold. If you typically let your pet outdoors, remember that he or she will need to come back inside more quickly during the winter. This is especially true for smaller pets, pets with short hair, or pets recovering from an illness. Also, never let your pet outside if he or she is wet, for whatever reason. In fact, if you bathe your pet or your pet otherwise gets wet, dry him or her immediately if the weather is cold, even if you are indoors. Make sure your cat or dog cannot get outside in any way—your pet may not be able to figure out how to get back inside, and by the time you realize that he or she is missing, hypothermia could have taken hold.

Hypothermia is a medical condition when the body temperature drops too low for the organs to function properly. Frostbite often occurs in the extremities, because the body will begin to shut down unnecessary body parts in order to keep the vital organs as warm as possible. If you pet has hypothermia, you’ll see your pet shivering, moving slowly, and breathing shallowly. Eventually, your pet will become unresponsive and die. Therefore, it is important to warm up your cat or dog.

However, if you warm a pet too quickly, the damage could be even worse. Resist the urge to dunk your pet in warm water! Instead, warm slowly. Bring your animal into a warm room and wrap in warm blankets. You can even throw a towel in the dryer for a few seconds. Or use warm water bottles wrapped in a washcloth. Hairdryers work well, as long as you don’t get too close to your pet (and keep them on the low settings). Once your pet starts to warm up, a warm bath could be very helpful, although this is not a good idea if you plan to take him or her outside again to go to the vet.

Remember, calling your vet is always your best option. Animals simply sometimes get outside accidentally, no matter how caring you may be to your pet. If your cat r dog shows symptoms of being too cold, you can use these warming techniques to save your pet’s life, and your vet will be able to get you on the right track to helping your pet recover.

And don’t forget that once your pet is warmed up he or she will probably be hungry, so make sure to give them the very best food possible, Life’s Abundance from Wholesome Pet Supply. Thank you!

First, many homes have bleach products. You’ll find bleach and Clorox mainly in the laundry room or in other cleaning supplies; however, you can also find bleach products in swimming pool supplies. In generally, household bleaches are fairly mild. Although they will make your cat feel ill, most animals are smart enough to not drink enough to kill. Signs that your cat may have drunk a bleach product include excess drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your cat seems to be in pain, smell his or her fur if possible to detect the scent of the bleach. In general, call you vet and have your cat drink large quantities of milk or water if you possibly can. Monitor your cat for bloody vomit and difficulty breathing, and wash the paws and mouth area thoroughly.

Mothballs and other products containing naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene can also make your cat sick. Ingesting this substance can cause live damage and seizures. Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, blue or brown colored gums, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. If you cat has eaten mothballs or items like toilet bowl cleaner or bathroom deodorizer, call your vet immediately.

Citrus oils, which are found in shampoo, insect repellent, fragrances, and insecticide are very harmful to cats as well. Although these items can harm all pets, cats are more sensitive than dogs and if you treat a cat with dog products, the result could kill your pet. Signs that your cat has ingested citrus oils include that common citrus smell, drolling, falling, trembling, and weakness. Eventually, liver damage occurs, and many cats experience liver failure, resulting in death. If your cat is treated, the prognosis is good, but left untreated, this poison could be deadly.

Therefore, it is simply important to call your vet if you see anything wrong with your cat at all. Cats are creatures of habit, so if your feline seems to be acting strangely, it is best to schedule an appointment. Do what’s best for your pet and try to keep harmful products in places where they can’t be reached.

To ensure your cat eats the healthiest food possible, please visit  Wholesome Pet Supply.

You did not mean to hurt your cat. Don’t hesitate to talk to a pet-loss bereavement counselor. Many veterinary schools and colleges offer this service for free, staffed by veterinary students who understand how important pets are to us and how difficult their loss can be.

Also, you have to realize that you are not the first person to have run over your own cat. Unfortunately, it happens with some regularity. It is one of the dangers out there to a cat that is allowed to roam free.

Four years ago we had to put both of our cats to sleep within six weeks of each other. Both had provided us with 18 fun-filled, wonderful years, but both finally succumbed to natural causes. Once one died, the other deteriorated rapidly. It took us three years before we got to the point where we finally were able to add two new furry family members, so the main cure is time.

Once you get to the point that a new cat is in your thoughts, consider keeping them safe at home and that they not be allowed to roam. Cats live longer, healthier lives inside. Your job is to make sure your pet has a good cat tree, lots of toys and plenty of your attention.

In order to provide fresh air, consider a screened-in porch or other safe access to fresh air (although many cats do fine without them). If you have a yard, another possibility is “cat-fencing”. You can search the Internet for ready-made products or do-it-yourself plans that will help you set up your yard in a way to keep your cat safely inside it.

This kind of tragedy is one of the most difficult for a pet owner to overcome, but time, possibly counseling, and love of animals will eventually allow you to get to the point where you can invite new furry friends back into your family. You will then find that, although you never thought you’d ever be able to find and love another like the one you lost, your new additions will be just as wonderful in their own way.

Any please be sure to feed your new family member the best food available to provide them with a long, healthy life, Life’s Abundance from www.WholesomePetSupply.com. Thank you.

Here are some hidden holiday dangers to be aware of and a few tips on holiday safety for pets:

COLD WEATHER DANGERS

Dogs’ feet are extremely sensitive to cold weather and booties are a great way to protect them from rock salt and sharp ice. Thoroughly rinse their feet after being outside, since ice can collect between pets’ toes.

Cats may seek warmth under the hood of a car. To avoid a surprise in cold weather, always check for sleeping cats.

Bringing outdoor animals inside creates its own risks due to drier air and lower humidity in the winter months. Brush pets more frequently and contact a veterinarian about introducing dietary supplements or prescribing a moisturizer.

SAFETY PROOFING A HOLIDAY HOME

Trees provide a great temptation for cats to climb and dogs to chew on, so holiday trees should be well secured to prevent accidents. Also, pets should not drink tree water, which may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Holiday ornaments should be hung out of pets’ reach. Ingestion of ornaments or broken glass (not to mention ribbons and bows) can lead to serious medical emergencies. Pets, especially cats, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines.

Animals are attracted to bright, moving lights so candles should be kept on high shelves. Candles as well as fireplaces should be constantly supervised since embers, sparks and wax can injure pets.

Other holiday products that can harm pets include snow globes (many of which contain harmful antifreeze) and artificial snow, which can cause reactions if inhaled.

Holiday plants including ivy, holly, mistletoe, hibiscus, poinsettia, lilies and Christmas greens all have various levels of toxicity. Position these high off the ground to avoid dangerous ingestion mishaps.

HOLIDAY TREATS

No table scraps for pets! Fatty meats, gravies and poultry skin can cause pancreatitis, gastritis, enteritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal problems. Bones put pets at risk for bowel obstruction or perforation and choking.

No chocolate for four-legged friends. It contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats when eaten in even small quantities.

Pets should celebrate with home-cooked dog and cat treats. Recipes are available on the Internet.

PETS AND PARTIES

An influx of holiday guests may frighten or agitate animals, making them more prone to barking or even biting.

Find a quiet room away from the crowd that pets can have to themselves.

Pets can easily slip out through an open door as guests come and go — keep a steady eye on pets and be sure they are wearing current identification tags.

Please visit http://www.wholesomepetsupply.com/ for the very best products for your pet’s holiday needs. Thank you!

Back in March, 2007, my neighbor’s beautiful American Eskimo dog, Sunny, fell ill one morning and was dead by noon. He had been fine up until that fateful morning. It turned out he died of the very symptoms caused by the tainted dog food you heard about on the national news during that time period. Thousands of pets died. When my neighbor checked the web site for the list of recalled foods, the brand she had been serving her dogs was on the list. More brands are being added to this recall list daily. This is a story that got worse as time went by. Please check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) web site yourself to make sure the brand you are feeding your pet isn’t contaminated: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html

Sunny’s death really upset me as I used to play with him a lot, so I started researching wholesome pet foods. I came across a company called HealthyPetNet, a division of Trilogy International, Inc. They sell the Life’s Abundance® Premium Health Food line for dogs and cats. They also sell other pet-related products and supplements. None of their products have ever been recalled.

What impressed me about their food was the fact that only natural ingredients like chicken meal, fish meal, carrots, apples, spinach, celery, alfalfa meal, ground brown rice, antioxidants, live probiotics, and chelated minerals are used. Their products contain no chemicals or fillers, nothing artificial. In fact, all of their ingredients come from human food processing plants and their food is shipped fresh to your door. Food bought in a store can sit in non-climate-controlled storage areas for up to 18 months before it is sold, often sitting outside in trailers. To prevent it from spoiling, powerful, dangerous, chemicals are used as preservatives. With Life’s Abundance you have the food in your hands within a few short weeks of its manufacture.

So we tried Life’s Abundance® Premium Health Food for Cats, and my pals, Ben and Nipper, went wild over it! Because Life’s Abundance® is so wholesome and concentrated, with no fillers, the company recommends there be a transition period of about a week where you mix it with your old food in increasingly larger amounts. This is done so your pet’s digestive system doesn’t get upset by a sudden change in diet. When we did this, Ben and Nipper sorted out the Life’s Abundance® from the 9Lives (which, before Life’s Abundance, they ate with enthusiasm) and only ate the Life’s Abundance®. They loved it! And the best part is that Life’s Abundance® costs no more than other premium pet foods and is so much healthier.

Anyway, I was so impressed that I decided to sign up to market these wholesome products because I wanted my family and friends to be aware of how they can enhance the lives of the pets they love so much. In addition to the nutritional benefits, many pet owners who have pets with allergies or skin problems find that these problems go away, without drugs or supplements, just by switching to Life’s Abundance®.

To make a long story just a little bit longer, I set up a business called Wholesome Pet Supply so I could share this wonderful story. Please check out my web site at http://www.wholesomepetsupply.com/. Read about these fantastic products and be sure to watch the video “The Truth About Pet Foods.”

I’m sure Life’s Abundance® will greatly benefit your furry family members. All ordering can be done on-line. It’s easy, and there is a wealth of information available on this web site, too.

I highly recommend these products and encourage you to do your own research, then try them. If you like them, please pass on this information, along with my web site, to your friends. Thank you.