PetSugar

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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Spring Clean a Dog Lover's Desk

PetSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I'll be honest: my desk is far from neat. I've got a collection of dog tags, treats, and toys . . . and all my stuff, too. I think I should start organizing (especially since Savvy's spotless desk is next to mine) and this is just the cute pet to inspire a major Spring cleaning spree.
The Amigos Dog ($62) comes in three lovely shades all with plenty of pouches. There's room for pencils and small items on the sides, my pink notepad on his back and even a hole in his tummy for my BlackBerry! The three desk organizers I've named Raspberry, Blueberry and Blackberry are handcrafted in Argentina with 100 percent reconstituted leather – so ecotastic to recycle usable materials to turn into something beautiful.

I Need Your Help . . . Spring Cleaning For Cats' Litter Box!

PetSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:30:27 -0700

No one wants to smell a pet before you see her, and I think cleaning up can be one of the trickiest balances to manage, especially for litter boxes. Many felines are finicky about which type and time they like to use and that doesn't always correspond with keeping the freshest scent.

I've recommended to sprinkle a thin layer of odor-fighting baking soda in the bottom of the box, but I'm curious which litter brand/box you use and if it could improve. So share your best litter products or tips to spring clean the kitty's box . . . and keep it that way well into the next season.

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Spring Cleaning: Plant a Pet Safe Garden

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:21 -0700

You may (or may not know) that some plants can be toxic to pets if they get the urge to munch the flowers and plants you keep around the house and garden. Even some of the most common flowers like Baby's Breath, which come in many arrangements, can be unassuming but totally harmful to your pets if ingested. Thankfully, the ASPCA has a complete list of plants that are a-ok and safe for plant-snacking pets, even if it wears down your patience! This Spring, when you are planting your garden, make sure that you double check the list for any plants that would look great in your yard . . . but can do major damage on your cat or dog's tummy. Some of my favorite flowers are great looking and safe for pets too, like these Honeysuckle Fuchsias. To see what else I would pick for my yard, just read more.

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Spring Cleaning: Litter Box

PetSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:00:35 -0700

If you have a cat, you know the litter box can be a royal pain to keep clean and smell free! Not only do you want to keep it from repelling your house guests, but it must appeal to your kitty as well. Now not all litters are created equal, so if you find that your cat isn't using his litter box, you may be using a litter that smells bad to him. I know, totally picky, but true!

Research shows that many cats prefer fine-grained, fragrance-free litters, and even a room deodorizer next to the litter box can be mistaken for a fragrant box and your cat could run the other way! For a few tips, plus my fave litter box furniture picks, just read more.

Try sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box for more odor and wetness absorption. Or, if you find that your feline is one to use your houseplants or garden as his own personal litter box, next time you're refilling, mix in some potting soil with the litter for a familiar and safe smell.

I have to say, my favorite advance in modern pet design is the kitty-litter houses that look like furniture. Now you don't have to worry about kitty tracking litter particles throughout your house, plus the box stays safe, contained, and most importantly, out of sight. Check out some of my fave litter box containers for you to try this Spring in the widget below.

The Cat Washroom Litterbox Concealer ($100)	ZenHaus ($525)
Two Door Litter Pan Cabinet ($465)	Bookshelf Litter Cabinet ($250-$465)
Litterbox Furniture (from $600)	Refined Litter Box ($190)	CATBOX LitterBox Cabinet ($269)

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Spring Cleaning: Fish Tank

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:00:46 -0700

Undoubtedly, there has been a few times where you have let your fish tank go a little longer than normal between cleanings. A good thorough cleaning should happen at least once a month, where you replace at least ten percent of the water, clean off decorative accents, and vacuum or siphon the rocks. Since the primary cause of nitrate and algae in fish tanks is due to natural debris accumulating in the tank, cleaning the rocks and decorations is key to keep your tank (and fish) healthy.

If you have a seriously dirty tank, you may need to attack in sections over a few weeks to prevent new tank syndrome and disrupting your tank's pH balance, by cleaning a portion of the rocks and decorations at a time. Once you're all caught up, though, how do you maintain a good, clean tank? For some healthy tank tips, just read more.

First off, never clean with soap. Even if you feel as if you rinsed the tank really well, there will most likely be residue left and it is super harmful to your fish.
Small fish bowls can be cleaned every few weeks with 30 to 50 percent new water and a good scrub of the walls and rocks.
Aquariums, although more labor intensive, can have 10 to 30 percent of the water replaced every week. Make sure it is room temperature and is the proper water for your fish (fresh vs. salt water).
Clean or change your filter (if it's really dirty) once every two weeks. This will help to keep the water in your tank sparkly clean, not to mention healthy for your fishy friends.
Siphon or vacuum the gravel, rocks, and decorations in your aquarium once a month.

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Bare Bones: Pet Food Can Cover

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:00:02 -0700

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be limited to actual cleaning. You can take this opportunity to tidy up your daily routine as well. And what better way than to start with your beloved pets, and the food that fuels your pet's body! Since you should be keeping your pet food in a sealed container – to keep creepy crawlies from munching on it instead of your dog or cat – these Bamboo Can Covers ($7) come in handy for those wet food containers. Since aluminum foil doesn't quite make the cut for keeping the food sealed and fresh, this can cover keeps an airtight seal and is inexpensive to replace if your furry friend somehow gets a hold of it, mistaking it for a toy. Plus, it will help your fridge smell free. Not that you don't love the smell of your pet's food, right? Right.

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Spring Cleaning: DIY Pet Safe Cleaners

PetSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:30:26 -0700

Happy Spring Cleaning! By no means do we neaten up our homes only once a year, but 'tis the season to start fresh. I'm trying to live a greener lifestyle and, as an former English major, I can't even pronounce half the chemicals in several household cleansers. I've done a little research and found that many items I already have at home can do double duty as a pet safe cleaner!

Lemon Juice Lemons are sour, acidic, and generally unappealing to pets. Using a dilution, this can be added to things you don't want pets to chew (electronic cords or plants) as well as actually cleaning many surfaces on its own. The acid in lemons can neutralize hard water stains, eat away at gummy buildup and tarnish, and even remove dirt from wood floors.
White Vinegar You'll remember I suggested vinegar as a deterrent for those countertop-loving cats but d'ya know that it also works well as a cleaner by itself? If a pet has an accident on the floor, it not just controls the smell but also discourages a pup from revisiting his old marking grounds. Plus, you can use it to clean out a kitty's litter pan. Just be certain to rinse it out well afterwards and add a layer of one of our other DIY safe cleaners. What is it?

Find out when you read more.

Baking Soda Known for its odor absorption, this has to be one of my favorite kitchen items. The unsung hero of many a home . . . and many a household product – not only do I use it to bake up a treat, but it's in my deodorant, toothpaste, detergent, and even in a box in my fridge! Thinking a bit more carefully about it, why should I be surprised that (when added with water), it eliminates perspiration odors, will whiten and clean my teeth, and can be added straight to my laundry?! Sprinkled on a damp sponge, it becomes a gentle non-abrasive cleanser for kitchen counter tops, sinks, bathtubs, ovens, linoleum floors, tile, and fiberglass items – I'd rather use this to clean out my tub in case my pet decides to take a dip!

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Antlerz Dog Chew: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:28 -0700

Those aren't sticks, check out Antlerz ($19-$49), actual antlers shed naturally by actual deer. Outdoorsy company, Orvis, collects, cuts and cleans these real horns before packaging into a nonsplintering, eco-tastic dog toy for pups that have seen enough of the rubber and the plush. Would you spring for such a thing or is it a tad too lifelike for your liking?

Wild Animals Need Furs

PetSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:46:52 -0700

Maybe you were doing some Spring cleaning in grandmother's attic and you uncovered an old fur coat. Now I'm betting most animal lovers wouldn't choose to wear it, but thrifting or selling the pelt isn't the best solution. Even if you donate the proceeds, do you really want to encourage someone else to wear it either?

Instead, ship the coat to the Humane Society's Coats For Cubs program for a tax deductible donation. Upon receiving old furs, organization staffers cut up and distribute to comfort a variety of animals in wildlife rehabilitation efforts – I know I'd feel better having orphaned creatures snuggling or playing with this for their own feel better moment as well!

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