We join Katie, below, in wishing everyone a fun, safe, and warm holiday!
Do You Have a Toy-nado of Terror?
Are you tired of buying toys for your fur babies only to witness their swift demise at the hands (paws) of your mischievous pet? Some of our buddies carry their toys around like treasures, but if that's not your dog or cat, then you may have a bona fide toy destroyer. Fear not, fellow pet parents, for you are not alone.
Some dogs love ripping apart tennis balls, stuffies, and even tough chew toys with their powerful jaws. Cats, though more refined, have their moments of destruction too. Fluffy is a mighty hunter and loves scratching, biting, and gutting her catnip mice toys and feather wands.
Certain dog breeds, like Labs, Goldendoodles, Pitties, and Terriers, are famous for their toy-wrecking antics. But why do they do it? Puppies may chew while teething; adult dogs may chew due to boredom, dental health, and separation anxiety. However, many pets relish wreaking havoc just for fun!
Some destructive habits can be hazardous, like swallowing squeakers or toy fragments that could require surgery. Avoid plush toys with stuffing and squeakers if you know they'll be shredded and perhaps swallowed in seconds. Keep any potential choking hazards out of reach when you're not around.
You can't eliminate the demolition derby, but providing durable chews and scratching posts will help satisfy their destructive urges. Keep any potential choking hazards out of reach when you're not around. If Fido is a mega chewer, a stuffed Kong may be a better route for him. Try an interactive food puzzle, a rope for a game of tug-of-war, or hide a toy for a game of "find." If you see your dog starting to take apart a toy, quietly take it away. The bottom line is to try and teach your friend not to be so rambunctious with their playthings.
Embrace your adorable toy-nadoes! Your furry friends aren't being malicious - they're just having a blast expressing their instincts. Keep restocking the toy box for your little toy terminator, and get ready for the loving mayhem to continue!
Paws & Pixels: The World of Pet Tech!
In today's fast-paced world, technology isn't just for humans—it's for our furry companions too! Innovative tech can make your life easier and your pet's life more exciting. Let's explore the coolest gadgets that will have your pets wagging their tails in delight.
GPS Collars: Have you ever experienced the anxiety of a pet that's gone AWOL? Enter the GPS collar—the Sherlock Holmes of the pet world. These collars keep tabs on your adventurous pets and can send real-time location updates straight to your phone. You can easily track your dog's secret squirrel-chasing escapades or your cat's nocturnal prowling. No more feline mysteries or late-night search missions!
Auto Litter Boxes: For all you cat lovers out there, rejoice! The days of scooping litter clumps are over, thanks to the magic of auto litter boxes. These futuristic litter wizards automatically sift and scoop, leaving you with a clean, odor-free space. Your kitty gets to enjoy a pristine loo, and you get to say goodbye to this daily dirty chore. It's a win-win for everyone!
Smart Pet Doors: Smart pet doors come with microchips, so these high-tech portals will only open for your pet, keeping unwelcome visitors out. No more raccoons raiding the fridge or your neighbor's cat crashing your kitty's dinner party.
Auto Feeders: Does your pet have a knack for begging for dinner at inconvenient times? Enter the auto feeder, the ultimate mealtime companion. These devices let you schedule and dispense precise portions of food, ensuring your pet gets their meals on time, every time. Plus, they're a lifesaver if you're stuck in traffic or working late. Your pet will never miss a meal again!
Interactive Toys: Let's not forget about playtime! Tech-savvy toys like laser pointers and treat-dispensing gadgets can keep your pets engaged and entertained, even when you're not around. Watch your cat chase the elusive laser dot, or see your dog's excitement as they earn treats through clever play. It's like having a personal pet entertainer!
In the ever-evolving landscape of pet tech, these inventions are just the tip of the iceberg. With every passing day, new gadgets are hitting the market, making life with pets more convenient and enjoyable. So, whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply want to pamper your furry friend, these innovations are bound to add a touch of magic to your pet parenting journey.
Do you use any of these gadgets? Embrace the future because the world of pet tech is here to stay, and it's awesome!
Cats vs. Critters: To Eat or Not to Eat?
Cats are natural-born hunters. Those twitching tails and fluttering feathers trigger their primal instincts. But what about the potential health risks? Let's dive into the great debate.
Eating mice and birds involves some danger. Critters can carry a wide variety of bacteria, diseases, and parasites that your cat might ingest while dining al fresco. Let's take a look at some of them.
Birds and mice can carry leptospirosis, hantavirus, toxoplasmosis, and other bacteria. Tapeworms and other nasties can hitch a ride into your cat's digestive system, leading to health issues. Sadly, Snowball can contract any of these by biting or playing with infected prey.
If the prey your cat captures has ingested rodenticides (mouse poison), your cat can become a secondary poisoning victim, because mouse poison can also be fatal to your cat. Rodenticide can take up to a week to kill a mouse, so neither you or your cat will know she has accientally consumed this poison.
Mice are common carriers of fleas, so if Snowball is a mouser, the chances of her picking up fleas from a mouse are high. Fleas can spread Cat Scratch Fever, Tapeworm, and Feline Infectious Anemia to your kitty. They can also cause flea allergy dermatitis.
To help safeguard your cat's health, consider these precautions:
Put on gloves and dispose of the dead animal.
Keep your cat's flea and tick control up to date.
Keep your cat inside or on a porch or catio. Train your kitty to wear a harness and walk on a leash so you can supervise her outdoor time.
Schedule regular vet visits, tell your vet you've got a hunter, and if Snowball exhibits any unusual behavior after consuming prey, promptly see your vet.
While cats' hunting instincts are natural, understanding the hazards associated with their outdoor escapades can help keep them safe and healthy. Stay vigilant, and remember that protecting your feline friend is always a top priority.
Great Pet Links!
November is:
Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Pet Diabetes Month
November 1 - Cook For Your Pet Day
November 17 - Take A Hike Day
November 23 - Thanksgiving
You can't eliminate the demolition derby, but providing durable chews and scratching posts will help satisfy their destructive urges. Keep any potential choking hazards out of reach when you're not around. If Fido is a mega chewer, a stuffed Kong may be a better route for him. Try an interactive food puzzle, a rope for a game of tug-of-war, or hide a toy for a game of "find." If you see your dog starting to take apart a toy, quietly take it away. The bottom line is to try and teach your friend not to be so rambunctious with their playthings.
