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What's on the Thanksgiving Menu For My Dog?

PetSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:00:13 -0800

Introducing large quantities of rich "people food" into a pet's diet on Thanksgiving is bad for their tummies! In fact, some typical holiday fare should never be fed to pets. One sure way to be certain no one slips up is to place the appropriate portion of your furry friend's normal snacks in a convenient location. Point out the healthy treats to your guests and encourage them to pamper your pals with extra petting or playtime . . . not to feed the snacks all at once.

The following items should never be fed to pets:

Turkey bones
Turkey skin
Stuffing with onions
Salty or spicy veggies
Pumpkin pie
Sweet potato casserole
Any desserts, especially chocolate

What tidbits are North-approved for tomorrow,

Don't Leave Home Without It! 15 Pet Travel Essentials

PetSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:15:13 -0800

If you're taking a trip with your pets this holiday season, there are a couple items you'll obviously need (like your furry friend) and others you may not have thought about. Curious about porta-potties, poopie bags, and pheromones? I bet you are, so I've gathered the things I wouldn't leave home without – and provided some reasons why you shouldn't either! See them all when you start this slideshow.

Does Your Dog Have an Ugly Sweater?

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:50 -0800

I've heard about those ugly sweater parties, but I've never actually been to one. However, when I learned about Petfinder's Ugly Sweater Contest for dogs, I was intrigued. 'Cause North is totally photogenic and I'd much rather make him look foolish than myself any day!

Don't worry if your furry friend doesn't have an ugly sweater, you can also submit a photo of your pet's "winter digs" and enter the contest by Sunday, Nov. 23. The winner will get his (or her) very own e-card on Petfinder.com!

Source

New Product Alert: Orbee-Tuff Mint

PetSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:30:37 -0800

I already love Planet Dog's cute, yet sturdy toys for my crazy chomper, North – they're definitely worth the investment because they hold up so well in jaws of steel.

I especially enjoy the minty scent (doggie breath beware) so how cute is their latest creation?! Added to their traditional holiday lineup (of Christmas bulbs and snowballs), is a mint-flavored peppermint candy ($11)! How totally adoro and appropriately shaped!

Off Without a Hitch?

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:00:08 -0800

North concluded his stay at Wag Hotel yesterday and, lucky for both of us, there were no problems! If you traveled (or stayed home), were there any unfortunate incidents involving your pets or did your holiday go off without a hitch? From pooches eating things they shouldn't to travel plans gone awry, share horror (and glory) stories in your comments. Source

Off Without a Hitch?

Eeks – it was fiasco central!

Not too bad . . . I'm still recovering from minor incidents!

Off without a hitch!

Other – I'll tell you in my comments below.

North's Big Adventure: Day Ten

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:40:51 -0800

Home at last! Although I am extra happy to have my lil' fella back home after ten days away, North seemed to have other ideas about this morning's end to his wild adventure at Wag Hotel. When I arrived to pick him up, I could hear him before I could see him . . . wheezing, snorting, and pulling to enter the lobby area. Although he gave me his typical welcome back greeting of a quick glance, the oh-it's-just-mama realization, and the look for more interesting people present, he was squirming out of my arms for final kisses as the staff members (and North) seemed genuinely sad about his departure. After coming in the apartment and reacquainting his nose with every nook and cranny, he curled up in his bed where he has been snoring for the last eight hours. Overall, he seems well adjusted and, I bet after his long sleep today, tomorrow he'll be back to normal, nosy North.

To see some of my favorite features of Wag Hotel,

Christmas Presents – Yum!

PetSugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 09:00:47 -0800

Even though North had to celebrate Christmas a little early this year, he approached the holiday with nothing less than his usual rigor, energy, and excitement. Check him out as he tears into a wrapped gift . . . and finds the peanut butter yums hidden inside. Happy Holidays from both of us!

Merry Christmas from PetSugar!

PetSugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:33:14 -0800

Whether your day is filled with sun or snow, I wish you a most wonderful holiday! I hope that everyone is spending time with family, friends, and fun gifts. Don't forget to keep a close eye on your pets today . . . and give them an extra tummy rub from me! My mom brought along this tiny tree all the way from New York to recreate that festive spirit – Merry Christmas from Grace Bay!

North's Big Adventure: Day Five

PetSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:30:28 -0800

Do you miss hearing about North? I sure wished I knew how he was doing so I gave San Francisco's Wag Hotel a call yesterday to check in. My crazy pup is playing with their number two group – good for dogs that aren't super active. Hmmm, I wonder if my little fella has already mellowed from his normal, constant spastic state in my five day absence . . . and I wonder if this could possibly continue when I return?! Doubtful. He's usually as active as they come so maybe he's getting an extra good workout there and, either way, I'm glad that he loves his puppy playtime with whichever group he's in. They also told me that he has a big appetite (duh!) which must mean he has already eaten the baggie of snacks I left and that he's "super duper sweet" (double duh!) – I wonder if they're tired of slobbery North kisses yet! No matter what, it sounds like he is enjoying himself as much as I am!

Pet-Present Extravaganza: Kiehl's For Canines

PetSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:35:57 -0800

It looks like Juicy isn't the only trendy human brand that's created a line of luxurious pet body products. I was doing some shopping for my nonfurry friends and noticed that Kiehl's has a whole selection of cleansers specially formulated for dogs.

Apparently the line was created to remove dirt, debris, and odor, but is soap free, which means it's perfect for pups with sensitive fur. It has a faint lavender and chamomile scent.

The woman at the counter informed me it works for big and small, long-or short-haired dogs. Looks like my nonfurry friends are gonna be jealous when I give their pups their presents this year!

Creature Features: '12 Days of Christmas' Birds

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:00:49 -0800

The "12 Days of Christmas" is one of those classic carols you can't make it through the holidays without hearing. Given as many times as we've all sung along to it we should probably be pros with the order of the gifts and what exactly they are, but an informal poll in the Sugar office proved this is not the case.

I've done a little research on those "seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree" Time to test your knowledge to see if you really know the birds you are singing about!

Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: City Sidewalks

PetSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:30:48 -0800

In many states, it is legal to put down lime-rock salt or calcium-chloride salt to melt the snow on city streets. However, this seemingly innocuous substance is very poisonous to dogs – when pups return inside, and lick their paws, it can cause them to throw up (or worse). Also, its rough texture can cut their little feet and put salt in their wounds, literally . . . ouch! When animals who have walked on salt-covered paths return home, be sure to clean paws off thoroughly or put booties on them before they go outside. Remember trudging through snowbanks in your boots is completely different than pooches wading through the cold stuff up to their bellies! Consider toting a little shovel or pointy-tipped umbrella to clear a trail for your pup to do his business on snowy roads.

Source

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Freezing Temps

PetSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:00:39 -0800

Never force a pet to spend time outside in the winter. Just because a pet has a fur coat, does not mean that their bodies or hair can handle the cold. Many pets love the winter and have thick appropriate coats, but little, short-haired dogs or cats can get frostbitten quickly. Keep the fur between their toe pads clipped down to prevent mini snowballs or icicles from forming between their little toes and consider coating their dry paw patches with a paw de-icer spray or balm. Make sure to take extra care to toast up a pet after outdoor adventures in the freezing weather – keep a pan or washcloth ready with warm water to rinse paws and plenty of towels for drying and cleaning off, too!

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Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: Driving in the Dark

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:00:29 -0800

As temperatures continue to drop throughout much of the US, and the hours of daylight seem less and less every time you hit the snooze button, these unfortunate changes also present extra risks for your furry friends. Right off the bat, I think it's a good time to bring even those outdoor kitties in. Not only does this season bring about the risk of freezing, but if pets wander off and cannot find their way home, the dangers are great. Snow causes low visibility and dampens sounds which can limit pets' abilities to hear or see cars coming. Plus, rainy and icy roads make it harder to stop quickly if you do see a darting creature in the dark. To hear more about keeping pets safe from cars during the wintertime,

North's Big Adventure: Day One

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:00:37 -0800

This will be the very first Christmas I have spent without North . . . in fact, I miss him already and I haven't even left town yet! I'm spending the holidays in Turks and Caicos with my parents and, because of the islands' quarantine laws, my little fella cannot come along. Sad. After checking out my options, I've decided to put him up at San Francisco's Wag Hotel while I'm gone. I took a tour of their facilities (and recorded this video), provided all his shot records, and dropped him off this morning. I've socialized my little one quite a bit (he always gets top marks for energy on his daycare report cards) so I know he'll enjoy his stay at this new facility. When we arrived there today, he was so busy giving kisses to everyone in the lobby and retail area, I couldn't even record him or give him a cuddly farewell. He already seems to be a big hit but, little do they know, his love and affection won't stop after I walk out. I'll keep you posted on his pawgress . . .

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Antifreeze

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:00:13 -0800

While people may not be able to easily detect its presence by spying a spill or simply smelling, pets can easily sniff it out. Antifreeze has a very good, sweet taste to pets and, if they spot it, they'll likely quickly lick it up. Even small doses of antifreeze can be lethal so be careful of any spills, and store bottles far out of any pet's grasp. Some types of antifreeze use propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol – propylene glycol is found in many lotions and toothpastes and is less toxic to pets than the former. However, less toxic does not make it safe so, even if you stock this product, take the same precautions as you would for any dangerous chemical!

If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, bring him to the doctor immediately. Vets can perform a variety of tests for this liquid – if a pet has ingested ethylene glycol, they can shine a special light on the animal's muzzle and paws . . . the ethylene makes the affected hair glow under this florescent light and speeds up the diagnosis process.

Source

Holiday Treats...For You or Your Pets?

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:30:41 -0800

Happy Holidays! To celebrate the season, let's try to pick out the pet snacks from the people snacks. The following festive treats are specially created for the wintertime . . . and it's up to you to figure out who they are meant for! Imagine you received these unlabeled under the tree – and had to guess who to hand them out to! Could you do it? Test your knowledge, and bone-appétit.

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Christmas Lights

PetSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:00:23 -0800

Next up, while decking out the tree, are those pretty twinklers! Unfortunately, Christmas lights still come with electric cords, and while we've already discussed dangers of cords from electronics, these cords are no different. Like babies, puppies often chew when they are teething – this puts them at the greatest risk of bad results from naughty nibbles. Many dogs chew to relieve stress and anxiety and, when stressed, anxious, or just plain curious, they often choose the nearest, least appropriate thing to chomp. To keep them safe, tack cords to the wall behind the tree out of pet's reach when they are not plugged in, and apply a chew deterrent like Grannick's Bitter Apple or Nature's Miracle Best Behavior Pet Training Aid to the wires. These products have a strong smell for pets that will discourage biting or licking. And remember, not only is chewing the cord dangerous, pets could also pull the tree down on top of them if it's not secure!

If you have a favorite anti-chew spray or solution for your pets, share it in your comments below!

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Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Potted Plants

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:00:44 -0800

Along with hanging plants, adding potted plants or flowers is a common seasonal touch to create a festive holiday home. While some don't appeal to pets at all, others can be very dangerous if nibbled on. The first risk of potted plants actually comes from the cocoa mulch. Many florists use cocoa mulch in potted plants – its chocolatey smell attracts animals, and it is just as lethal to them as the real thing. Before purchasing, check with florists about the contents in the soil.

To read about potted plants that can be dangerous to animals,

Wanna Eat (Vegan) Lunch With Alicia Silverstone?

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0800

Give back to a great cause this season with Farm Sanctuary's Charity Buzz Holiday Auction. The amazing opportunities include tickets and backstage passes to Joan Jett (plus a personalized and signed electric guitar), a surfing lesson with Daniela Sea (The L Word), and a vegan lunch in Los Angeles with Alicia Silverstone. Currently drawing the highest bid is the visit to the set of Californication and a meet-and-greet with star David Duchovny.

Along with once-in-a-lifetime celebrity meetings, the 65 items to bid on include concerts, getaways, dinners, unique gifts, and more — with all proceeds benefiting the Farm Sanctuary. Working to promote compassionate living through rescue, education, and advocacy of farm animals, they also host a 175-acre shelter in Upstate New York and another 300-acre shelter in Northern California dedicated to lifelong care and rehabilitation of neglected creatures. Opportunities to place a bid and give back to animals, via the online auction, ends on Dec. 17.

Source

Ten Tips 'Til the Holiday: Hanging Plants

PetSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:45:59 -0800

Next up in our ten tips, it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly (and other seasonal plants)! Check out my earlier posts on pets and plants to recall common, dangerous plants and some home remedies to deter pets from eating safe greens. If there is any question about whether a plant is toxic, don't bring it into your home or consult the ASPCA first. Don't underestimate the range of twitching noses, batting paws, and pure pet willpower! To see some common, hanging seasonal plants that can put your pets in danger,

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Hanging Tree Decorations

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:00:44 -0800

Our third tip as part of the Ten Tips series involves Christmas decorations. I already talked about the dangers of sneaky snacks and tumbling trees, but I'll discuss the ornaments that go on next:

Tinsel. These shiny strings appeal to kitties and puppies alike. If pets eat this stuff, it can slice up their gastro-intestinal system or ball up and cause an internal blockage. Tinsel and other small items are extra difficult to see on x-rays, meaning that it may take some time to diagnose . . . time that your pet will not likely have.
Hooks. Never use metal hooks to hang ornaments on trees in animal-filled homes. Pets could swallow it (think fishhook) or cut their paws if stepping or batting at these sharp objects. Try tying and looping ornaments on the tree with strings instead.

To see the rest of my list,

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Stop the Sneaky Snacking

PetSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:00:40 -0800

There's nothing wrong with decking your halls, but make sure to decorate high out of pet's reach! In a home with furry family members, don't hang candy canes, popcorn, berries, or other food items on your tree, and save those nuts and candies (especially chocolates) in the cabinets. While you're busy cooking up dinner, or sipping eggnog, pets could be up on the table devouring your sitting out snacks!

Most animals have an amazing ability to find their ways onto and into things they shouldn't be messing with – remember, if they can smell when you're eating, they can likely sniff out food in presents, too. Make sure Santa comes right before it's gift-opening time so nosy pets don't get any extra time to scratch-and-sniff their gifts!

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Yum! Taco . . . and Better Get a Tree

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:30:01 -0800

These scrumptious pics of Jerry O'Connell and Rebecca Romijn picking out their very first Christmas tree as a family over the weekend just about made my day! The couple even brought two pooches, Taco and Better, along for the tree-procuring process – looks like she has her hands just as full with the pooches as he does with the tree. Maybe next time just one pooch should get in on the tree-picking action?

To see more adorable pictures of their holiday adventure

Ten Tips 'Til The Holiday: Choosing a Tree

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:00:07 -0800

Hooray, I bought my Christmas tree over the weekend! And, of course, as PetSugar, I had to purchase the tree from a local animal shelter where all proceeds go to the animals in need. Lucky for me, North shows zero interest in the Christmas tree, but I know that not all pet owners are so fortunate. Some pets are curious to sniff or snack on tree needles, and could get so eager about their investigations, that the tree comes a-tumblin' down. Not good! When picking out a tree, choose a large sturdy one that fits securely in its stand and, if you have a climb-prone kitty, consider tying the top of the tree to the wall to stabilize. Another great option is to purchase a mini Christmas shrub that can sit on a table or cannot be pulled over easily while on the floor.

To see tips on where to place the tree,

Happy Thanksgiving from North!

PetSugar — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:02:43 -0800