Tag Archives: pets

Durapet Stainless Steel Bowls

General Interest, , , ,

My husband and I were on a hunt for a cat bowl which couldn’t be easily flipped over.  Our boys have a habit of batting the water in their bowls (for whatever odd reason) and chasing each other around the house at break-neck speed (causing them to run into things; namely their bowls).  We saw this product on one of our pet food-shopping outings and wanted to give this a try.  I wouldn’t say that it’s 100% splatter proof even with its high walls (filled no more than 40% with water and with at least two re-fillings per day) but I haven’t seen it flip over yet so I believe it’s at least partially successful.  The bowl is easily cleaned and is lighter than a porcelain bowl its size (we opted for the larger size).  If you are at your wits’ end, give Durapet a try.  I also understand they have a slow-feed bowls as well for animals who tend to “inhale” or “shovel” their food and those with other digestive issues.

*Photocredit: Durapet

People Foods to Avoid for Pets

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So far this has been my understanding of people foods or ingredients to avoid for pets:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Caffeinated beverages
  • Garlic
  • Nuts
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Cooked bones (chicken, turkey, pork, beef)
  • Xylitol (sweetener in many sugar-free gum and candies)

If I have left anything off this list or if there is any inaccuracy, please let me know by posting a comment.  I would really appreciate it.  Thanks!

Counter-Surfing

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All our cats have been quite the counter-surfers- curious investigators, scouts, and thieves. In a desperate measure to deter this behavior, my husband and I have been doing some research and happened upon the following article on About.com. While I personally don’t agree with all the solution options, I’m willing to look into Tattle Tale a bit closer because of it’s more mild nature. Still need to do further research. In addition to the pet safety points highlighted in this particular article, I also think it a good idea to regularly empty out drain caps (where potentially toxic food scraps collect e.g. onions etc.) and to keep your sink clear of dirty dishes, pots, or pans… Don’t want to further tempt our furbabies to counter/sink-surf. If you need more information, simply do a Google search and you will find a wealth of information.

*Photocredit: He may look like our Opie but this is a picture of Prints, The Cat by Prints of A Cat @ Blogspot

Vacations Sans Furbaby =(

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Family members (that can house-sit and care for your pets or your pets can stay with them)
Trusted professional kennels
Your vet (may have boarding services; you should inquire)
Scheduled dog-sitters

Needed Supplies: Remember to be courteous to your pet-sitter. They are doing you a big favor!

Ample food (I always provide extra)
Treats
Cat litter box and ample cat litter
Any medication your pet needs
Collar with tags and leash
Poop baggies
Dog coat for cold weather
Grooming supplies
Bowls
A favorite toy e.g. scratch post for cats, blanket, or bed
A binder filled with important and up-to-date pet health info
Info and directions to a 24-hour animal hospital
Your travel contact info
…anything else you find important that has not been included on this list…

Always spend a little quality play time with your furbaby before you travel
Leave ample time to review instructions with your pet-sitter

It’s a good idea to email or call occasionally to check-in =) I usually call once daily (taking account the difference in time zones). I know I’m crazy but I think this is part of being a good mom…

Pet SPF Protection

General Interest, Stella, , ,

If Stella is spending some time in the sun, whether sleeping by a sunny window or going on a summer’s hike, I give her a light spray-down of The Coat Handler’s SPF 15. I bought this from either Petland or Petco. I think some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others, like Chinese Cresteds (hairless dogs), but either way, I believe putting SPF on them is the responsible thing to do. It’s something I would do for myself.

*Photocredit: Sharpwright