The new and improved FURminator is the coolest and most easy to use pet brush EVER. I was sent a sample for review and the updates the company made to the original make the product even better than it already was!

The FURminator deLuxe Collection features the same premium quality, stainless steel edge and adds a sleek, enhanced design, which make grooming sessions at home faster and easier.

The new model has an ergonomic handle, making it easier to grip, the fine-toothed deshedding edge, which is the biggest feature if you ask me because it reaches beneath the top coat and grabs loose undercoat hair, and finally, it also has a really neat “FURejector:” a button you push that releases the hair you’ve trapped in the brush (so you can avoid pulling all the hair out of the comb with your hands and getting it all over the place!!)

FURminator deLuxe Edition

I have always been a FURminator fan, and never use any other pet brush. But actually, even my vet told me just this week (since I’ve spent so much time there this week…) that his lucrative grooming business uses only the FURminator line of products on all dogs and cats.

The deLuxe model includes tools designed for small, medium and large long- and short-haired dogs AND cats, so you can pick which model works best depending on the size of your animals.

I think the best part about FURminator products is that my cats and dogs actually LOVE the way they feel on their skin. They will sit in front of me for hours being brushed – which is unusual considering how hyperactive our animals are. And it’s also funny because they have learned to recognize the FURminator — when I go into the laundry room and pull it out of the cabinet it’s like they line up in a row, waiting to be brushed:)

I would highly recommend this product to any pet owner – it REALLY IS THE BEST PET BRUSH EVER CREATED.

You can find the magical new FURminator at pet specialty retailers and vet clinics, as well as online at www.furminator.com.

So all our kitty kin out there are staring at this post title and thinking “WHAT IS JAIME THINKING??”

I’ts not MY opinion, it’s the opinion of writer and New York Times Bestselling Author Bradley Trevor Greive, with photos by Rachael Hale. In “Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats,” Greive actually makes some seriously funny observations about both of our favorite types of companions – cats and dogs. With pictures that jump off the page at you, and plenty of dog and cat quotes to choose from, this book was definitely well-written, but didn’t sell me on dogs being better…:) It even says on my About Page, and has for the last 18 months, I could NEVER choose between the two, which is why ThoughtsFurPaws covers both.

Anyways, according to the press release put forth by the publishing company, Andrews McMeel Publishing, the controversy is expected over the book title and theme. Basically Greive is saying this: “dogs are social, cats are sociopaths.” (Note here: I can’t say that Theodore isn’t a sociopath some nights when he has too much nip, or when he gets the zooms in the  backyard and climbs up tree after tree when its really windy with his ears peeled back against his head and running around the yard at speeds a leopard couldn’t compete with…)

Also from the press release about the book:

“Dogs and cats. Friends or foes? The conflict between the species, like the conflict between their owners, has continued for centuries. … Greive finally puts the debate to rest…BTG (the author) writes from the perspective of one who knows – and tells. But be advised that his delightful discourse is no diatribe. He is prodog, not anticat.”

Okay, so I’ll give him that much…it’s not that the book itself is anticat, it’s just all prodog!

BTG elaborates on these singular perpectives as well:

- Dogs match up to people. People must match up to cats.

- Dogs teach us patience. Cats test our patience.

- The bottom line is this: Dogs want love. Cats want fish!

The book definitely has some more comedic moments like this that made me literally lol, I won’t deny it. Some of the chapters are called, “Cat People and Dog People: A Study in Contrasts,” “Cats Are Not Without Their Charms,” and “The Best and Worst Thing About Dogs.”  And it’s a lovely hard-covered, full-colored beauty bound for my coffee table for sure.

I recommend you guys all check it out if only for the laughs and the AWESOME pictures. There are some SERIOUSLY funny gems of cat and dog wisdom in this book.

“Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats” is the official Pet Product of the Week! Go out and read it!

Franklin in his EzyDog jacket

We received an EzyDog coat for one of our family’s Basset Hounds last week, and it is the most adorable doggie jacket I have ever seen. It’s camoflauge colored with reflectors on both sides. We got it for Franklin (the rescue foster Basset who turned into a permanent member of the household), since he is still so skinny and loves to spend time outside.

It was hilarious to see Frank in this jacket: he did NOT want to take it off. Once we put it on him, he totally strutted his stuff around the house and around the neighborhood on the walk, it was SO funny. He never wants to take the jacket off and even insists on wearing it in the house now! Neighbors were stopping to ask me where I got the jacket as here in Cleveland, inclement weather often is a hurdle for dog owners who want to walk their beloved pooches in sub-zero temperatures.

The EzyDog Outdoor Coat is windproof, waterproof, fleece-lined and extremely

Reflector View on EzyDog jacket

warm. It acts as a barrier in bad weather, keeping your four-legged adventurer warm and comfortable.

It comes with a Neoprene stretch panel that produces a secure custom fit and two quick-release side buckles with cam-locks to make fitting very simple. It also features two top zippered pouches to help carry essentials like doo-doo bags, etc.

According to a press release from the company, “Our company has been very successful with our leashes and collars,” said John Hatcher, Owner of EzyDog. “So we decided to expand our line and include coats so that dogs who like to be outdoors can keep them playing all year round.”

The coat is available in six different designs and seven sizes so you are bound to find the perfect fit for your dog. To order an EzyDog jacket for your pooch, visit www.ezydog.com. 

ThoughtsFurPaws definitely gives the EzyDog jacket four paws up (sixteen paws up if you count the other foster Bassets who got a chance to try it on). This is a great investment that will long-last the seasons and protect your dog from the cold. It would also make a great pet-lover gift for the holidays.

Next step — booties for walking in the snow…:) (I’ll let you know how that one goes!)

I’ve found a fabulous new way to clean up pet messes (which are frequent in our house unfortunately, especially with Benson being sick and Theodore eating so fast that he throws up). It’s the Clean and Green cleaners by SeaYu, the only environmentally friendly pet cleaning products around.

I tried both the Dog/Cat Carpet/Upholstery cleaner, which actually picked up really sunken in doggie diarrhea (sorry to be graphic but this product is amazing to get that out of creme colored carpeting), and the Dog/Cat Wood and Tile Cleaner,  which is great for picking up Theodore’s puke and scrubbing the spot after he eats too much.

Much to my surpise, this stuff even removes SKUNK ODOR – no kidding. Sasha

Sasha Post-Skunk-Bath

has a bad history of messing with skunks (see the picture here of her after one skunk bath) and I used to have to give her 4-5 baths to get her to smell normal again, but not anymore. The Eliminator3 formula removes all odors. ALL odors. Unbelievable!
So not only do these products clean up the mess, they eliminate the odor quite well, too. (Which is AWESOME because who can stand the smell of an accident…?) And I’m always up for buying environmentally friendly products.

Anyhow, if you’re looking for something to clean pet messes AND remove odors, take a look at the entire Clean and Green product line here. They are the official Pet Product of the Week!

So I have this fabulous new product to tell you all about that is am AMAZING alternative to traditional rawhides. They are called Pork Chomps.

They are a “safer, tastier, more digestible alternative to beef rawhide because the revolutionary chews are made from natural baked pork skin.”

I tested these out on the four Basset Hounds this weekend and they were a TOTAL HIT. Of course Henry, the oldest and the alpha male, will eat anything you put in front of him, but the other three, not so much. They often turn their noses at treats and chewies but not Pork Chomps.

Franklin promptly took his Pork Chomp outside for privacy while the other three boys chewed theirs all in a row in the family room. It took them about 10-15 minutes to get through the small chewy treat.

Pork Chomps, according to a news release, were preferred by 9 out of 10 dogs against beef rawhides. “Baked pork skin has a natural flavor that’s extremely appealing to dogs so unlike conventional rawhide, Pork Chomps don’t have to be stuffed or basted to entice dogs…”

Made by Scott Pet Products, extensive research and field tests by the company have shown that pork skin chews are more easily digested than rawhide, which is important for pet parents because there have been tons of reports of dogs getting intestinal issues from beef rawhides (my two Golden Retrievers included).

So I would highly recommend these chewies to anyone looking for a tasty, more easily digestible alternative to beef rawhides.

Pork Chomps are available in Bacon, Peanut Butter, and Pepperoni flavors and in a remarkable range of styles, including Mini Knots, Smoked Bagels, and Rolls. You can find them at PetSmart, Tractor Supply, and other pet stores, or check out the website to order of for more info.

Bottom line: four Bassets give 16 paws up to Pork Chomps:)

Looking for a different type of stencil for the kids (or – admit it – for you) to carve on your pumpkin this Halloween? Then you must go and visit Better Homes and Gardens and check out their dog Halloween pumpkin stencils — they are so cool! All you do is print the handy PDFs, then size on a copier and transfer the design to your pumpkin!

They have a huge selection of doggie pumpkin stencils, all adorable and fun. Plus, you can vote for your favorite breed!

For an overview of this year’s Dog Breed Pumpkin poll and to see some examples of the cute stencils, check out the featured video on BHG’s Channel on YouTube.

Hi everyone,

Those of you who live in or near Ohio and are as crazy about Jeff Corwin as I am…well its your lucky day. I have four tickets that I’m giving away in two pairs of two to his show on Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. at the The Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, OH.

First come, first serve…  Email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com if you want the tickets. Put “Corwin Tickets” in the subject line please.

Following Corwin’’s presentation, he will sign copies of his book, “Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World,” which will be available for purchase at the event.

During Corwin’s presentation, “Tales from the Field with Jeff Corwin,” he will feature a number of exotic animals, mostly reptiles and snakes. Audience members will be called on stage to interact with the animals. Families are encouraged to bring their children.

– Tickets are $10 for adults (age 13 and over) and children 12 and under are free.

– Each adult will be limited to four (4) free children’s tickets and children must be accompanied by an adult.

– Cash, check, VISA and MasterCard (credit is online only) will be accepted. For more information, contact the Office of the President at (614) 251-4561 or e-mail pls@ohiodominican.edu.

– Tickets can be ordered online (credit card only).  Tickets ordered after October 8, 2009 will be available at will-call.

I thought you’d be interested in these tips from Dr. Donna J. Spector, DVM, DACVIM, who wrote the following pet tips for National Preparedness Month (September). 

 You never know when an accident may happen—keep a pet first aid kit in your car and home.  Place the contents in a water-proof plastic container for safe keeping. 

 Dr. Spector’s recommendations for making a First Aid Kit for dogs and cats:

– Phone numbers and directions on laminated (water-proof) paper—for owners home, veterinary clinic, emergency clinic, and poison control center.

– Equipment and Supplies—muzzle, restraints, collar/leash, scissors, flea comb, tweezers, pliers/hemostats, magnifying glass, nail clippers, penlight or flashlight, paper towels, towels, tourniquet, cotton swabs, cotton balls, bandage material, bandage tape, eye dropper, oral syringe, thermometer, lubricating jelly, disposable/latex gloves, ice cream sticks or yardstick (which may be used as splints), emergency ice and heat packs, liquid dish soap, and saline solution (for rinsing wounds). 

– Nutritional Support—rehydrating solution (pedialyte, etc) and sugar solution (karo syrup, etc). Also keep a collapsible bowl in the first aid kit. 

– Medications—activated charcoal, alcohol, betadine/nolvasan, eye rinse, triple antibiotic ointment, ophthalmic (eye) ointment, hydrogen peroxide, benadryl (diphenhydramine), cortisone spray/ointment, sterile saline, antidiarrheal liquid or tablets, flea and tick prevention and treatment, styptic powder, and ear cleaning solution. 

– Also, always include any prescription medications your pet may be taking. 
 Check your kit frequently for expired products and restock as necessary—pay close attention to the dates on the hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointments.  Ask your VCA veterinarian for advice on other first aid kit contents for your pet specifically.

So today I wanted to tell you about an AWESOME new product that could probably change the way you clean up after your pets, indoors I mean. It’s the DysonDC31 Animal, a handheld vacuum that is so powerful, it even picked up Sasha’s (my extremely long-haired cat’s) matted down tufts nestled deep into my carpet and pillows without an issue.

This thing is the most powerful handheld vacuum I have ever come across and puts the DustBuster to shame! It has a dual power mode, so it can run longer for larger jobs (e.g. more pet hair). It uses the new Dyson digital motor, making it crazy powerful and really lightweight. And the mini-turbine head accessory makes it easy to snag pet hair out of carpets, couches, or in my case, pillows and comforters, etc.

The product was just launched on September 1 so you can find it in stores now. Some other fun facts about this monster of a vacuum:

- Root Cyclone™ technology: Patented technology that doesn’t lose suction power as you vacuum, a common problem with other handheld vacuums.

- Dual power mode with a 10 minute run time at 38 airwatts, or 6 minute run time at 65 airwatts. Longer run time for larger jobs, or higher suction power for stubborn dirt and hair

- Lightweight: Less than three pounds.  Balanced weight distribution, for easy handling

- Fade-free lithium ion battery: 22.2 volt lithitium ion battery releases charge evenly from start to finish. Recharges up to three times faster than others

- Lifetime filter: Lifetime filter that doesn’t need replacing – just wash every month

- Hygienic bin emptying: Just press a button to empty the dirt

The DC31 and DC31 Animal are available at most major retailers and Dyson.com at the manufacturers suggested retail price of $219.99 and $269.99, respectively. 

Both are covered under a 2-year warranty for parts and labor. 

*ThoughtsFurPaws was sent a sample of this product to review for Pet Product of the Week.*

We recently were sent a sample of K9 KlearUp to test out. We gave it to our cousins, the Basset Hounds, since they have so many problems with bug bites, hot spots, and gummy armpits.

Boy does this stuff work wonders. Our human Aunt Ashly, who owns the Bassets, said that K9KlearUp worked better than anything she’s ever tried on the hotspots and gummy armpits, and she’s tried everything over the years. We definitely give this product four paws up.

A little about what K9 KlearUp can be used for:

1) Hotspots: K9 KlearUp can be applied directly to any hotspot. A little bit goes a long way, so you only need enough to apply a very thin layer of the product to the affected area. 
 
2) Ezcema, Acne and Rashes: Customers have been telling K9 KlearUp that chronic conditions that the vets normally prescribe steroid-focused medications for have been cleared up quite effectively with their product. Follow the same instructions as with the hotspots – apply the cream to the affected area. Note: If the affected area is quite large, you will want to try this sample out on just a small part of it (an inch or two squared). That way, you’ll have enough to apply it a bunch of times, which will give you the best results. 
 
3) Bug Bites: It’s bug season and our dogs are just as likely as us (if not more so) to receive quite a few bug bites over the next few months. Sometimes the small ones can be ignored, but big, swollen itchy ones can be quite painful (and made worse by constant scratching). Apply a liberal amount of K9 KlearUp on the spot and you’ll notice an almost immediate relief.
 
4) General Itchiness: This is more of a general condition rather than anything specific, but for any chronic licking or scratching due to some sort of environmental problem (i.e. allergies, bug bites, rashes etc), applying a liberal amount of K9 KlearUp to the source of discomfort has brought almost immediate relief.

K9 KlearUp is a naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic balm so it’s safe for pets.  It has a secret Mayan ingredient that makes it work… cool! BOL!

For more information, or to read more about what conditions it can help, visit the K9KlearUp website.