PetSugar

PetSugar Street Team: True Blue Super Fresh Shampoo

PetSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 06:56:34 -0700

Good thing there are plenty of other dog owners in the office, otherwise North would have a serious case of dandruff! I've been wanting to test out all the shampoos I've had stashed in my desk for a while now, but if I bathe my pup too often, his skin gets flaky and dry. Thankfully, Samson was good and stinky (and needed to be fresh and clean for our Dog Day on the Bay) when I asked LilPeaPod to test out True Blue's Super Fresh Grapefruit and Chamomile Shampoo ($13).

I liked the fact that True Blue was not only detergent-free, but is never tested on animals, is hypoallergenic, and is even safe for the earth - right down to the biodegradable bottle. What did our tester like about this shampoo, besides the fact that it smells divine? Find out if it's anything to bark about, and check out Samson's coat in a before and after when you read more.

LilPeaPod says:
At first sniff, True Blue smells like something out of a fresh botanical garden, but it doesn't overpower your nose. Good thing, since Samson isn't into all that flowery stuff - he prefers grass and dirt over roses and lilies. Getting the shampoo out of the bottle was easy enough (there's nothing worse than straining with wet hands to squeeze product onto your slippery and anxious dog), and it lathered up quite nicely.

With some dog shampoos, I've found that I have to put a ton on him to feel like I'm getting enough lather and coverage, but True Blue went the distance. It even rinsed off really quickly, just like the bottle promised. Plus, it didn't leave a film on his coat, and after he dried off he was silky and shiny, and didn't smell like a wet dog! Fancy that.

Two Reasons to Toss Tennis Balls in the Washer . . . and Dryer!

PetSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:15:03 -0700

While I'd recommend tossing (in the garbage) any tennis balls with signs of fraying or peeling rubber, it's a good idea to wash those you'll be keeping this season. Think of all the dirt from endless games of fetch and throw them in the washing machine with some towels and pet-safe detergent.

After the fuzzy balls are cleaned up, you can air out or pop them in a dryer for a special trick. If you add a tennis ball to the dryer, it can help fluff up your drying towels, down bedding or other clothes that need an extra puff and fluff – bonus!

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How Often Do You Clean the Litterbox?

PetSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:15:28 -0700

Whether you're a one-cat gal or a more felines, more fun type, I'm curious how often you change the kitties' box. For this poll, I don't mean how often you scoop the poop, but how frequently you replace all the litter. I've heard different answers from friends with the same number of cats, so now I want to hear it from you.

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PetSugar Street Team: Kids 'N' Pets Stain and Odor Remover

PetSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:30:23 -0800

It just goes to say that even the most well trained pet can still have an accident. Be it an unforeseen, emergency potty break or reverse sneezing turned vomit, getting the stain and the smell totally out is key to preventing a repeat performance in that spot. TeamSugar member wren shared this outstanding solution of Kids 'N' Pets Stain and Odor Remover with the PetSugar Street Team:

I've tried a few and finally found one that really works –it's my new favorite thing. With other stain/odor removers, my dog would go back to the stain and sniff it, so I know the odor wasn't removed. Since using this, he doesn't. It works so fast and easy – I just pour over the stain, leave for a few minutes, and blot up with a cloth. It's worked on all my stains so far, dog-related or not, even fruit punch!

Sounds sweet – I'm thinking I may need to keep a bottle on hand 'cause I've been known to spill stuff, too!

Give Back: Empty Your Linen Closet For Pets' Sake!

PetSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:30:01 -0800

If you're planning on keeping a tidier home this year, get started right in the linen closet. Behind my closed doors, I've got enough old blankets, sheets and towels to do wondrous things . . . I don't actually do.

Realizing I don't need eight spare towels to dry off a car that I never wash myself, as well as not hosting enough guests back-to-back to require four sets of aerobed bedding, I laundered my spare linens and brought them to my local humane society. Act like me and contact your local shelters to see which items you can let go to animals in need.

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Combat Unwanted Pet Hair With a Fur Fighter

PetSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:00:32 -0700

I've just added a new product to my cleaning arsenal – this Fur Fighter! I already have a lint brush for my clothes, but this tool's shape is perfect for the quick cleaning of my couch (if I don't want to dig out the Dyson, that is). Want to know what prompted me to pick one up for 10 bucks on a recent trip to Target? Find out when you read more.

The angled shape and sticky extension made this the only way I could truly tackle the corners and crevices of my couch 'cause the round lint brush couldn't fit into those angles as well as it cleaned my wool coat. I don't want to share the embarrassing amount of cookie crumbs and stubborn pet hair that I picked up, so you'll have to take my word for it . . . but I've printed out a web coupon for $2 off when I go back for more!

To the Rescue: Pop Goes the Rope Toy in the Microwave

PetSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:42 -0700

When I spotted this tip, I wondered why I didn't think of it myself! I know North's sweet plush toy collection can easily become a not-so-sweet breeding ground for all sorts of ickiness, just like your household sponge. I guess the yumyums stuck in your pet's teeth combined with floor dirt and slobber can create quite the coating!Just like people pop sponges into the microwave to kill bacteria, yeast, mold and more, you can actually do the same thing with your pup's favorite rope toy! Find out how when you read more.

Wet the rope toy under the faucet, shake off excess water, and place it on a safe dish in the microwave. Because of wattage variations, monitor the toy when you cook it up for one minute. Be careful when removing the dish and rope because it will be hot and (obviously) let it cool down/dry completely before giving it back to your pooch. Good as new!

Do Tell: What's Your Top "Keep Clean" Item For Life With Pets?

PetSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:30:08 -0700

I already shared my first fave – antibacterial hand gel – but I also couldn't survive life with North without a lint brush or Tide-to-go minis. He doesn't get his muddy paws on me that often, but I have quite the obsession with keeping a stain-removing pen in my purses, desk, car . . . pretty much everywhere.

What people products are your essentials to improving lives with furry friends?

Stock Up on Pet Gear at World Market!

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:00:36 -0700

Who would've thought you could get such great stuff at Cost Plus World Market for your pets!? North loved the Sojo's treats I picked up for him awhile back, and I certainly loved Patches' Pinot and the Pet Hair Lifter, too. When I stopped back in over the weekend, I purchased a glow-in-the-dark squeaky ball, and some of these pet wipes to freshen him up between bath times.

In addition to all the neat storage containers and accent pieces for your home, I have a few faves on my pet wish list widget below, like the Dog Tricks Book ($13). Could North really learn how to fetch a Frisbee!? I'm sure he's up for the challenge - he may be six years old, but he's still a 10 when it comes to energy!

Takeout Dog Bowl or Fortune Cookie Rope Toy ($10)	Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter ($7)
Ceramic Dog Treat Jar ($15)	"Dog Tricks " Book With Fetching Disc ($13)
Mrs. Meyer's Household Pet Cleaning Supplies ($6-$8)	"Stuff On My Cat" Book ($10)
Dog Grooming Gift Sets ($8-$13)	Sisal Cat Toys ($6-$10)	97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile ($8)

I Need Your Help . . . Best Vacuum for Pet Hair?

PetSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:15:28 -0700

It's not so fab to have clothes covered in pet hair, and breathing in that fur and dander can make it all too easy to be wheezy! For those of you who share a home with furry friends, I wanna know how you keep them clean and (relatively) hair-free. Since this allergy affects so many people, and makes pet owners like reeyacha all snuffed up, please share your recommendations for the best vacuums (or other cleaning methods) to remove those flyaways in the comments below!

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