PetSugar

Pet Peeves: My Dog Always Gives Kisses!

PetSugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:00:52 -0800

Q: My dog is always giving kisses – on my arm or my leg or even my face – he doesn't care. I don't really mind if he does this to me, but it can be embarrassing when company comes and he starts licking them... and they're less than impressed. He has water in his dish so I know he can't be thirsty – what's wrong with him?

A: Chances are your dog is licking you to show affection and for the natural salt on your skin. Unfortunately, since you've made it ok for him to do that to you, you'll have to nip that in the bud first. My best tip is to start practicing when you are home alone with pup. When he starts to lick you, gently hold him out of tongue's reach. Be consistent. It will take some time for him to understand that it's not a game... and to break him of this behavior. He should realize that when he licks you, the playing stops. Then, try to redirect his attention with a fun toy to lick (like a peanut butter-filled Kong) instead.

Source

H1N1 Face Mask For Pets: Really Smart or Really Ridiculous?

PetSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:45:54 -0800

With the new threat of pets (potentially) being able to be infected by H1N1 - poor kitty - some people are taking serious precautions to protect an animal from potential poisons. Take this pooch in China, he's been specially fitted with a face mask. While it limits his breathing in germs, it also prevents the extra sniffs and licks so many dogs are fond of. What's your take on this tactic?

Dogs Will Need a Lick-a License For These Toys!

PetSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:00:57 -0700

It's happy hour time . . . umm, almost. Somewhere, right? Well, not that dogs should have real alcohol (obviously), but these toys are a super-cute substitute if you're out of Johnnie Barker Black Lab. Jumbo sized with intoxicating squeakers for those bark-aholics ready for yappy hour. Just make sure your pooch's lick-a license is up to date. Cheers!

Muttgarita Plush Dog Toy ($15)	Kennel One Vodka Dog Toy ($15)
Grrrona Beer Dog Toy ($12.50 and up)	Barkin' Bandito Puptron Tequila and Ruffio Cigar Dog Toys ($15)
Hey Barktender Plush Dog Toys ($15)	Arfsolut Vodka Plush Dog Toy ($15)

Can't Get Enough Cute Animals? Get 'em on Your Cell, Too!

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:15:03 -0700

There's nothing better than coming home after a long day and getting some love from your fave four-legged friends. And, North? He's not only a super chewer, he's a super kisser, too! He gives 'em out like candy. If you can't get enough cute, cuddly (sometimes slobbery) things, you def need My Monitor Pets.

Greeting you when you come back from lunch, you may remember these downloadable screen savers to lick you to death through your PC monitor. How can you resist!? But, if you are seriously addicted to the wet kisses of a painfully cute cat or pup, why not take the obsession portable? Yup, with a subscription ($18) you can get the kisses of a new, super-cute kissing pet sent to your phone every two days. What would make this even better? If I could get it customized with my own furry friend, of course!

Source

Cat Owners Eight Times More Likely to Have MRSA at Home

PetSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:55:01 -0700

If you're not familiar with it already, MRSA is a bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, dangerous because of, well, its drug resistance. The first cases in pets popped up about five years ago in therapy dogs exposed to patients or healthcare workers, but the tables could turn, putting humans in more danger any day.

Typically, humans usually infect pets (and not vice versa), but animals can serve as a reservoir for the bacteria and pass it back to humans. Healthy animals rid themselves of bacteria in a matter of weeks.

According to a study this Summer, Elizabeth A. Scott and colleagues at the Center For Hygiene and Health in Home and Community at Simmons College in Boston swabbed household surfaces and found that one variable that overwhelmingly predicted the presence of the germ was the presence of a cat - they were eight times more likely than others to have MRSA at home.

To learn some tips to keep your human (and furry) family safe, read more.

Wash your hands or use antibacterial hand gels before and after playing with a pet or handling wastes and food.
Don't let pets lick near your face or any cuts or sores, and be sure to keep your broken skin bandaged up.

Pet Peeves: Can I Put My Moisturizer on My Dogs' Paws?

PetSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:30:43 -0700

Q: My dog's paw pads are super dry, so dry they're nearly cracking. I know cold weather is coming soon and this will worsen - can I rub some of my lotion or Vaseline on them?

A: I commend your concern for bow owwies on the paw pads but you need to be careful what you rub him down with. Maybe you also want to sweeten them up, corn chip smell and all, but step away from your perfumed lotion! Search for a good pad moisturizer (Samson likes Opie and Dixie's healer) or ask your vet if the problem is severe. Not only can human hand moisturizer soften the pads too much for extra slips or slides, but the ingredients may also be harmful if ingested (read: licked).

If you have problems with pets, don't forget to submit your questions to our Pet Peeves group - I'm here to help!

Source: Flickr User lisatozzi

Drink Up: Bring Your Own Water Along For the Ride

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:00:26 -0700

When traveling with a pooch - bring water. Not everyone normally treats a pet to purified beverages, but you can reuse old water bottles by filling with your home's tap water before you go. That way your pooch willl have the same drinking water he's used to, an especially helpful step for sensitive tummies.

As a bonus before long car rides, I also freeze a bottle and place it near North so he can lick the condensation while in his carrier - it adds baby sips without increasing the necessary potty breaks along the way. No matter if you normally reuse old plastic takeout containers, tote his regular serving pieces, or make do with whatever's handy to offer up that roadside drink, see a couple cute portable bowls to add to his travel kit in the widget below.

New Product Alert! Rage Against the Maltese

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:15:59 -0700

Aww, what did that adoro fluffy animal ever do to you?! I'm betting this clever shirt got its name based on the common letters between Maltese and machine, but still I've got nothing but love for the teacup pups. (If rage involves chasing and licking, North has a lot of that . . . toward most breeds!)

Regardless, rockin' company Rockstar Puppy recently tweeted about its new tees, and I had to check 'em out. I'm loving this one best but they've got bands of all genres. If you have any other musically inspired group/breed names or song suggestions, "Whippet good" and share in the comments below.

Dogs Licking Computer Screens!

PetSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:00:35 -0700

As captivating as paper shadow and nature patterns can be, why not download awwww-inducing screen savers from the movie Must Love Dogs? Yes, I realize it's more than a couple years old and, yes, I also realize that many of you probably never saw it – all the more reason to check these pups out now. Their adorable, slobbery faces make it hard to walk away from your computer when it goes idle, and even harder to start working again. Best yet, they're free for both Mac and PC!

Do Your Pets Have Allergies?

PetSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:30:27 -0700

Uh-oh, little smooshy Samson has a problem, and the name is pollen! LilPeaPod took Samson to the vet over the long weekend, having lately noticed lots of sneezing, droopy and goopy eyes, and one other interesting symptom: red, itchy paws. After a few painless skin tests, she found out that Samson has allergies!

Right now is the height of pollen season, and allergies aren't just for humans. Your pets can inhale lots of pollen as they walk with their noses to the ground and even be allergic to grass, just like Samson is. If you notice your pets licking their paws, scratching their face, or even an extra wet nose in the Spring and Summer, they may have allergies. Thankfully, it can be relieved with (pet-safe) antihistamines so your pets can enjoy the fruits of Spring, just like the rest of us.