PetSugar

No Nature's Miracle? Try This All-Natural Method Instead

PetSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:34 -0800

I can't rave enough about the wonders of Nature's Miracle when potty training or cleaning pup's playthings. However, truthfully, I haven't stocked a bottle since my pet was a wee babe since he's got the peeing thing down pat. However, many dogs (North included) can have a repeat problem with stuff coming out the other end.

Yesterday morning, my poor pooch threw up on his bed and then hid in my bedroom, looking as embarrassed as this doxie. Since I didn't want to deal with laundry right before rushing to work, but also didn't want to let the stain (and smell) set in, I went into my kitchen and grabbed two staples.

Find out what they are and what I did when you read more.

Instead of tap water, I scrubbed the area with a small amount of club soda and let it dry while taking a shower. When I got out, I sprinkled the spot with baking soda and headed to work, crating my pup. When I got home, I used my handy Dyson Animal to immediately vacuum up all the excess powder before letting North back in. Good as new and stink-free, too.

Source: Flickr User TheWellSpokenOne

To the Rescue: How to Check Your Pet's Pulse

PetSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:20:32 -0800

Have you ever checked your pet's pulse? Since dogs don't have "wrists," you may be wondering where to do this home test to see if a pooch is in distress or sick.

The best place to check the pulse is the inner side of midthigh (where the arrow points). Because the skin is thin in that area, locate the major femoral artery by putting your hand in front of the hind leg near the top and move your fingers along the crease between the leg and the tummy until you feel the lub-dub.

To learn what the beats should be and how to calculate them, read more.

It's easier to get an accurate reading if you just focus on counting the number of pulses per 15 seconds and multiply by 4, instead of concentrating for a whole minute, by using your cell phone's timer or watch with a second hand.

Both animals typically have higher rates after excitement or exercise.
Doggie Pulse: The normal range for dogs should be 70 to 120 beats per minute but smaller pups (and puppies) have a higher pulse rate than their bigger canine cousins.
Kitty Pulse: The normal range for cats should be 110 to 130 beats per minute.

Tip: If you're having trouble identifying the beats, make sure the room is as quiet as possible and that you block everything else out by closing your eyes until you identify the beating, then you can start counting.

Source: Flickr User corsi photo

Ways to Keep Halloween Fun, Not Frightful, For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:52 -0700

The decorations are up and the candy's bought, but have your prepped your pets for this big day? Remember never force an animal into an outfit and keep him out of harm's way.

Who are you? Where am I? Costumes are scary and seeing Mom and Dad in masks or other bizarre ensembles can freak out your furry family (and kids). Similarly, all those spooky decorations, especially those that move and talk are equally frightful for observant pups.
No loose animals today. Don't leave pets in your yard on Halloween and bring indoor/outdoor cats inside. Disguises can cause people to behave differently and you don't want a pet to be teased, injured, scared (or worse!) by pranksters tonight.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Crowd control. If your pet will accompany your family trick-or-treating or to a parade, watch out for tiny pups under big feet. Make sure your dog is OK with strangers and noise before you set out and return home immediately if you see pooch is stressed. If you're throwing a pet-friendly bash, keep candy and chocolate away and follow these tips.
Minimal stress spots only. I know North freaks out at the doorbell and, if I lived in an area with trick-o-treaters, I would drop him off at a pet hotel for the night. If you think a pooch will get panicked by the constant buzzer, or frustrated that he can't go out, either sequester him in another part of the house away from candy or place a sign on the doorbell asking for knocks only, please.

I Need Your Help . . . Must Two Dogs Equal Two Leashes?

PetSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:27 -0700

Whether it's double trouble or two times the fun, two pups definitely provide twice the tangles when being walked together. I'm a fan of tandem leashes (like this one) in theory, but I've never had to hook North up with another furry friend.

Community Member Kelli Ann asks:

This is our second dog and we want to try out a dual leash. The pups are about 25 lbs each and are both good on a leash. Any insight/tips/recommendations would be much appreciated because two separate leashes can be a little tricky!

All of you multiple pet owners or generous dog walkers share any advice to not get your dogs' signals, and your leashes, crossed. (And, as always, feel free to private message me or post questions in our Pet Peeves group and we'll help you out ASAP.)

A Piece O'Pumpkin Advice For Jack-O'-Lantern Snacks

PetSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:51 -0700

Since pumpkin is high on my list of healthy foods for a chubby or rumbly puppy tummy no matter the season, I feel the need to address those carved creations, if that's your kind of thing.

Not only can an open flame pose a danger, the unlit pumpkin is not pet-safe! While the fresh stuff is fine for furry friends, don't leave the jack-o'-lantern within paws' reach - after being carved and exposed to air, the vegetable grows bacteria and mold, which is very dangerous to doggies. Save the gourds for the garbage come Nov. 1 and pick up some canned pumpkin instead!

Source: Flickr User thegordons

To the Rescue: How to Make Friends With a Friend's Cat

PetSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:40:14 -0700

While my house is feline-free, I've got plenty of friends with kitty housemates. Most of the time, they're pretty receptive to my overtures, but here's an easy tip I've learned the sharp way.

When reaching out to pet a cat, approach with fingers tucked under and fist together. Open hands with spread fingers can look a bit too much like unsheathed claws to some cats, and they could perceive your gentle petting desires to be a sign of aggression and lash out. Ouch. Move slowly - so you're not a moving target - and show the cat your hand first to sniff your scent before reaching in for a rub.

If you've had this problem, or other issues with animals, big and small, share your questions and concerns with our Pet Peeves group - I'm only here to help!

Source: Flickr User FriaLOve

6 Places For Pet-Proofing and Protection

PetSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:05:39 -0700

When it comes to dangerous items in your home, an accident is just something you haven't prevented yet. For furry families with nosy noses, check out six places you can make these pet-proofing and protection steps.

Pet-Proofing Your Laundry	Pet-Proofing Your Bathroom	Pet-Proofing Your Kitchen Area
Protect the Pumpkins	Protect the Toilet Paper	Protect the Electrical Cords

Don't Be Surprised If a Shelter Asks For These 6 Things . . .

PetSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:20:35 -0700

OK, you've done your homework and you're ready to check out local shelters and rescue organizations to pick up a pooch - congratulations! Before you walk in the door, be prepared for these six common requests . . . and save the look of shock for all the adorable faces you see, and not the adoption counselor!
Source: Flickr User superfem

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I Need Your Help . . . Dealing With Aggressive Dogs on Walks

PetSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Nothing turns a walk time from rad to bad quicker than a foul-tempered pooch. I'd hazard a guess that very few, very lucky pet owners have never encountered an aggressive dog while out and about - even an attempted lunge is scary stuff - and what if it continues on way too far? Community member Beaner explains:

We've been going in the woods off-leash ever since we had our dog and, last weekend, the same dog went after him for the third time. I told the owner he should leash his dog since he's aggressive, and his response was, "Well I think dogs should just work it out themselves." When I saw him again, and I yelled to scare the other dog off, then leashed mine and walked the other way home. Is there anything I can do?

Get more of the story and offer your own advice when you read more.

Here's where the story gets more ridiculous as the offending owner asked Beaner if her dog was neutered - he is - but, when she asked back, he said "pretty much" even though she could see evidence to the contrary. Umm, horrible. Now, it's definitely a good idea to remove any dog from a dangerous situation but, unfortunately, there are some people that just won't do the right thing and ruin the fun for everyone else. Other than contacting the local animal care and control facility to see if there are any policies regarding aggressive dogs, I'm at a loss about what she can do - any tips?

(If you have problems of your own, don't forget to submit any questions to the Pet Peeves group - and we'll help work them out!)

9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting

PetSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:20:23 -0700

It's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! Throughout October, I'll be sharing tips and tricks for rescuing pooches. If you're thinking about getting a pup, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following nine questions first . . . before you go and fall in love with a furry face.

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